A Kalamkari Canvas
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Comfortable yet elegant is the new catchphrase in the world of fashion. And this Mughal-era inspired and aesthetically pleasing sartorial choice, showcasing the graceful Kalamkari art-form, is perfect to wear for any mood-setting ~ like heading out for coffee with friends or attending an afternoon soirée or enjoying an intimate dinner with your loved ones.
Unaltered in its very simplicity and majestic, the hand-blocked printed Kalamkari that originated about 3000 years ago is still practised in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The technique and workmanship behind the dazzling design are literally hidden in the name itself. Kalam means “pen” and Kari means “the craft”, hence Kalamkari is an art form that uses a tamarind pen and natural inks as dyes to produce unparalleled craftsmanship that is designed by hand. The colour scheme is free-spirited and lively. Since the art form reached its peak of fame during the Mughal era, the motifs bring to life numerous tales that include mythological characters and themes based on beautiful flowers, birds like the elegant peacock, and paisleys inspired by nature. Born out of the art of story-telling, Kalamkari brings out a rich and artistic magnificence in even the simplest piece of clothing.
The deftness behind these intricate designs that can instantly brighten one’s mood has evolved to keep up with modern fashion trends. Present-day interpretations bring out the gossamer charm of hand-spun cotton thereby enhancing the hard work of the traditional artisans. The chic designs are captured vividly on a neutral palette spectrum and interlaced with Mughal-era aesthetics. With such a delicate Kalamkari canvas, it’s wise to remember that less is always more. Add a new note of elegance to your season’s wardrobe by pairing your handcrafted Kalamkari creation with simple juttis and a leather sling bag for a casual look, or welcome the season of fun, festivities and frolic with statement silver jewellery and chic block-heeled Kolhapuris to create a striking look for formal events!
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The sheer possibility of freezing a moment in history in a beautiful visual form is a gift; a gift that speaks a language of its own and should be cherished!
Do you also share the same emotions for Kalamkari as I do? Do you experiment with your looks? I’d love to have you share your thoughts in the comments below!
In the mood for Kalamkari… ❤️ I love collecting pure textiles from India and appreciate the beauty and the hard work the artisans put in to make every piece unique and beautiful.
I wholeheartedly agree, Shasya! So glad you like the share!
Wow – I love how this turned out!! Beautiful ❤️
I own this hand-block printed dress crafted by a family of artisans in a small village in India. It’s made end-to-end in a fair trade environment and the result is the most beautiful handcrafted, umber coloured floral print.
I so value your sentiments. Thank you for sharing, Manisha!
Sublime ❤️❤️❤️
This beautifully combines the elegance of your words with the magic of Kalamkari. I look forward to draping myself in exclusive Kalamkari fusion silhouettes and pampering myself lavishly.
I’m overjoyed to receive your compliment, Sneha. Thank you!
Our Indian culture and tradition have their own uniqueness. ❤️ This post is the start to opening your heart and being appreciative of unique textiles. ❤️ Thanks for taking the time to curate it, Tanya.
Thank you as always for your love and support, Tara.
Lovely Kalamkari art form in earthy tones and a beautifully curated post, Tanya. Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to learn more about India’s beautiful textiles.
Aww ~ you’re so sweet, Shilpa. Thank you so much!
Classic post rendered to perfection – where every single word/image is so elegant and beautiful! ❤️ I love that you’re growing and doing so much more… Will also keep this post in mind when shopping for special gifts.
Thank you for believing in me, Bikramjeet. You’re the best ever!
Morning Inspiration. ✨✨✨
A hand-block printed garment – a piece of art, a rich legacy, an ethnic and cultural symbol passed down from generations and into your closet. Thank you for this beautiful share, Tanya.
Thanks for taking the time to read through and comment, Ritika.
Oooh… love the print + images + your stunning description! ✨✨✨
This for me is an edit that defines the essence of today’s women. For an unstoppable you, Kalamkari is an art form that looks comfortable and yet is stunning!
Aw ~ that’s such a heartwarming and beautiful comment. Thank you, Sujata!
Truly traditional yet trendy. 🙂 The practice of Kalamkari at its core seems to bear witness to the beauty, complexity and harmony that exists around us. So now, long zoom calls & your homebound summer days can get a mood lift with handcrafted Kalamkari.
Such a sweet thing to say. Thank you, Damini!
Your posts are like a breath of precious fresh air!
Let’s appreciate and preserve the ancient art of Kalamkari. This season let’s swirl in hand-block printed ethnic wear in light and soothing hues crafted in organic dyes that are eco-friendly & aesthetically pleasing. Here’s to enriching our wardrobe! ✨
Many thanks, Divya! Loving your appreciation.
Kalamkari – A rustic soul that is fashionable too.
Think calming hues, hand block prints and easy silhouettes – for sunny days in the garden or lounging with a book at home – this art form is made for you to live in!
How nicely you’ve expressed this. I’m thankful you spare your time to read my posts, Saumya.
Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️ Light easy-breezy #ethnicessentials layered with abstract #handblockprint detail that contrasts with perfectly teamed #silverjewellery!
Sending good vibes your way, Tanya.
Thank you, dear Parul. Always a delight to have your appreciation!
Bringing in the statement! ✨ Although the weather might not be giving us pre-summer excitement, I love to incorporate bright & classic fabric prints to brighten up my look! Would love to add this masterpiece!
Rooting for you, Tanya! ❤️
So sweet of you, Sivangi. Thank you very much for such lovely words.
This hand block printed creation you’ve featured has beautiful motifs and a design which adds to the unique charm of Kalamkari. A textile that keeps comfort at the centre of its style – loose relaxed fits so ideal. Especially since most of us are in our homes – they are perfect to be at-ease yet stylised for those work-from-home meetings… 🙂
Aww ~ thank you so much, Vaishnavi. Your support on this platform means the world!
A pinch of colour adding to the charm of this stunning ensemble! ✨ Kalamkari, is still vibrant today, adapting itself to new markets and fashions, much in the way the international textile trade India was famous for, did over the centuries. ✨ Loved this share!
It is such a pleasure to see your comment, Priyanshi. Hope you are doing great!
Beautifully written post, Tanya. ❤️
Kalamkari – Harmony, Balance, Geometry – Infinity… Gazing into infinity, as the motifs form, change, dissolve and re-form before you. It’s like entering into a meditative state, after a while… I’m going to be thinking this one over for a long time, reassessing some of my more recent wardrobe purchases.
Thank you so much, Susmita. I had a blast curating this post!
Delighted to have access to this amazing post, and many thanks for having initiated yet another interesting discussion on Indian textiles, Tanya.
Thank you very much, Sandhyani. So glad you are enjoying these posts.
Beautiful article, ❤️ and what a beauty of a textile with colours and patterns bringing out an amazing mix!
We shall meet like the stars when it is our time again to share light, Tanya.
Thanks so much, Tunisha. My heart is dancing with joy!
Such an informative post on Kalamkari… I just learnt so much about the dye and the motifs. You are a treasure trove of information, Tanya, thanks for sharing your knowledge. ❤️ Saving your post.
Thank you very much, Pavitra! I’m greatly encouraged.
The elegance and exquisite artistry of Kalamkari are embedded in a culture that has defined generations. I love textile and have been wearing Kalamkar kurtas since my teen years. Yet, to own a saree with this beautiful block print though… 🙂
Glad to hear this, Senjal.
Wow – Tanya adding beauty to the social fabric of the community! 🙂 What a gorgeous piece of craft combining beautiful textiles with exquisite motifs. And, your model looks lovely in it.
I’m happy to hear this, Mahakal. Thank you!
The colours are so beautiful, so calming. ❤️
Ok, the jury is still out on this one, but I think it’s going to be a unanimous decision on how it’s a crime to write so descriptively and elegantly! ❤️
Means the world coming from you, Gunjan. Thank you so very much!
How I love reading your posts, Tanya. Your way of mixing stories with facts is amazing. Additionally, the images are looking so beautiful in this outstanding textile. ❤️ Thank you for enlightening us.
I’m overjoyed at your sweet words, Suhani. Thank you!
Loved reading this! ❤️❤️❤️ It’s such an informative post – the part about textiles and yarn that interests me the most is the dyeing process. Science and art meet to make magic!
Honestly, with each passing day, your blog posts look more and more regal and elegant! Stay safe.
So glad to hear this little corner of my life is worth appreciating, Sandhiya.
Wonderful to see this, and to have your explanation of the process.
I have no doubt that many young people get in touch with you, inspired to look at their heritage more carefully after reading your works. It gives me great hope for the future of our country, currently under intense pressure.
You’re the best ~ always such a compliment from you, Anisha!
Kalamkari’s simplicity hides hours of meticulous, repetitive, arduous work. I am thrilled that your tireless and earnest efforts in promoting craft translates into these amazing blog curations, Tanya. You inspire us all. ❤️
Such a wonderful thing to say, Reet. Thank you very much!
The images are absolutely stunning in this post ❤️ and such a well-written piece, too! I don’t own a Kalamkari ensemble but reading about it here has piqued my interest.
Deeply value your warm and heartfelt appreciation, Shubhangi.
Oh, this is spectacular! ❤️
I too feel craft /skill /art like Kalamkari were and still are a collective manifestation of the beauty hidden in our mind and soul… imagination has much to do with it, as many of the women or men partaking in this activity transfer their inner world forgetting the mundane world in which they exist…
It is sensitive of you, to resonate like this… Thank you, Saroya.
This is another very interesting post ❤️ and your model is looking radiant in this beautiful Kalamkari creation!
To add to your post, Kalamkari has grown from being a locale and community-specific textile to being made into stunning saris, yardage, table linen and art installations. It’s heartening to see artists travel the world to universities and textile symposiums, spreading their knowledge.
Thank you for adding to my post so wonderfully, Vaishali.