Multi-Color Patchwork Reversible Shawl from Kolkata with Kantha Stitch Embroidery All-Over
Dry clean only. Store folded in a soft muslin pouch away from direct sunlight to keep the sheen alive.
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Behind this piece
Kantha is among Bengal's oldest living textile traditions, its name derived from the Sanskrit word for "throat" or "rags," speaking to a practice born of thrift and devotion. In Kolkata and the villages of West Bengal, women once stitched layers of worn sari silk together with a simple running stitch, creating heirlooms dense with pattern and intention. This shawl carries that same spirit forward: patchwork panels of pure silk in varied colours, unified by kantha embroidery worked all over the surface, each line of stitching a quiet record of patience and hand.
How to style
Wear it draped over a ivory chanderi kurta with narrow palazzos for a winter cultural evening, anchored by oxidised silver jhumkas from Rajasthan. For a more contemporary pairing, fold it lengthwise over a charcoal merino blazer with straight trousers and pointed kolhapuris. The reversible construction offers a second mood entirely, so a quieter side can accompany a printed Benarasi silk saree without competing. A carved bone bangle worn on one wrist keeps the aesthetic rooted in handcraft. Each side reads as a complete look, making this one piece that travels across several occasions.
Fabric & care
Pure silk is a protein fibre and rewards gentle handling. Hand wash in cool water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent, submerging the shawl briefly without wringing or scrubbing. Rinse once in clean cool water and press gently between two dry towels to remove moisture. Dry flat in shade, away from direct sunlight, which degrades silk over time. Do not tumble dry. Once dry, iron on the lowest silk setting with a pressing cloth placed between the iron and the fabric. Store folded in a breathable cotton muslin bag, away from humidity and synthetic fibres.
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