Navy Blue Fabric with Real Peacock Feathers in Weave
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>Weaver Kasim Family of Banaras. 23 Inches Wide
Complete your look
Hand-picked pieces that sing gently with this one.
Behind this piece
Banaras has been weaving the peacock into silk for centuries, drawing on Mughal miniature traditions where the bird symbolised royalty and divine watchfulness. This fabric, woven by the Kasim family of Varanasi, belongs to the kinkhwab lineage of heavy brocades, where the weft carries real peacock feathers rather than metallic approximations. The navy ground, deep as a monsoon sky, makes every iridescent eye in the weave luminous. Each repeat is set on a pit loom, thread by thread, a discipline the Kasim family has sustained across generations in the weaving lanes of Madanpura.
How to style
Cut this fabric into an unlined, collarless jacket worn over ivory Chanderi separates for a gallery opening or literary evening. Alternatively, commission a structured blouse to anchor an heirloom Kanjivaram in peacock green or gold, letting the brocade do the speaking at a wedding. For a quieter occasion, a straight skirt in this silk pairs beautifully with a tucked cotton kurta. Across all three interpretations, choose oxidised silver or antique gold jewellery to echo the feathers' natural lustre. Kolhapuri heels in tan leather complete the palette without competing.
Fabric & care
Pure silk brocade with woven-in natural feather elements requires a careful hand. Dry clean only; never machine wash, as water weakens the silk warp and may disturb the feather fibre. Store folded in unbleached muslin, never on a wire hanger, which stresses the selvedge. Keep away from direct sunlight, which fades navy silk unevenly over time. Do not iron the feather sections directly; use a pressing cloth and low heat on the reverse. Stored with care, this silk will hold its structure and sheen for decades.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts.
From the Journal
Stories about the craft, the loom, and the wearing of a piece like this one.
