Burgundy Tibetan Lotus Brocade Fabric
Dry clean only. Store folded in a soft muslin pouch away from direct sunlight to keep the sheen alive.
Description
Pure Silk Handloom Brocade<br>Artist: Kasim Family of Varanasi. 23 Inches Wide
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Behind this piece
The Kasim family of Varanasi has practised the art of Banarasi brocade across generations, working on pit looms in the narrow lanes of the city that has been synonymous with silk weaving since the Mughal period. This fabric carries the Tibetan lotus motif, a symbol of spiritual purity that entered Varanasi's weaving vocabulary through centuries of cross-cultural trade along pilgrimage and merchant routes. Woven in pure silk with a handloom brocade technique, the deep burgundy ground allows the lotus patterns to surface with an almost meditative clarity. Each metre represents hours of counted, deliberate work.
How to style
Cut this fabric into an unstitched blouse for a silk Kanjeevaram or Banarasi saree in ivory or deep teal, letting the brocade speak at the shoulder. For festive occasions, commission a structured jacket or bandi in this burgundy to wear over wide-leg silk trousers. A shorter yardage works beautifully as a dupatta with a Lucknowi chikankari kurta. Pair with oxidised silver earrings or uncut polki to honour the craft's heritage. Kolhapuri sandals or juttis in cognac complete the silhouette without competing with the textile's intricate surface.
Fabric & care
Pure silk brocade demands dry cleaning for structured pieces. If washing a flat length, use cold water with a mild, pH-neutral cleanser; never wring or twist the fabric. Press with a cool iron on the reverse side, placing a clean cotton cloth between the iron and the silk to protect the raised brocade threads. Store rolled rather than folded to prevent crease lines from setting into the weave. Keep wrapped in muslin, away from direct light and moisture. Properly maintained, this silk will hold its lustre and structural integrity for decades.
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