Red and Black Jamawar Reversible Stole
Dry clean recommended. Store with natural cedar or neem leaves. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
Description
Red like a winter ember, black like the ink of a master's hand: this stole arrives from the centuries-old Jamawar tradition, a weaving language first perfected in the Kashmir Valley and later carried forward by artisans who treat the loom as a form of devotion. The word Jamawar itself speaks of breadth and grandeur, referring to the wide-bodied shawl cloths once prized in Mughal courts for their intricate boteh motifs and densely woven surfaces. Here, that heritage is rendered in a considered blend of pure wool and cotton, a combination that gives the stole genuine warmth without excessive weight, making it wearable across seasons. The reversible construction is a quiet act of generosity, offering two distinct moods within a single piece. The deep red ground and graphic black patterning together hold a boldness that is never brash, always considered. Drape it over a cream kurta for a winter gathering, letting the red surface face outward. On quieter days, turn it to its alter face and let the composition speak more softly.
Complete your look
Hand-picked pieces that sing gently with this one.
Behind this piece
Jamawar weaving traces its lineage to the royal karkhanas of Kashmir, where shawls were woven for Mughal courts and later coveted by European nobility. The word itself speaks to its scale: jama, a robe; war, a yard. This stole carries that legacy in its reversible construction, a hallmark of the most considered Kashmiri work, where both faces are finished with equal care. The bold interplay of red and black draws on a classical palette favoured in traditional buta patterning, where each motif is woven, never printed, into the wool-cotton ground.
How to style
Worn over a black anarkali kurta, this stole reads as ceremonial without effort, ideal for a winter festivity or mehendi gathering. Fold it lengthwise over one shoulder with a raw silk saree in ivory or burgundy, and let the pattern do the work. For a diaspora wardrobe, drape it over a tailored wool coat with block-printed trousers and tan kolhapuri sandals. Silver oxidised jewellery, particularly broad cuffs or jhumkas, complements the red-and-black contrast without competing. The reversible weave means each styling choice offers a second, subtly different composition.
Fabric & care
Because this stole blends pure wool with cotton, it requires a gentle approach. Hand wash in cool water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent, and never wring or twist the fabric. Rinse thoroughly and press flat between two clean towels to remove excess water. Dry in shade, laid horizontally, to prevent distortion of the woven structure. Iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the surface. Store folded, not hung, wrapped in muslin if possible. Cedar blocks rather than chemical moth-repellents will protect the wool content without damaging the fibres over time.
More from shawls scarves
Sale
Sale
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.
