Kanchivaram Sari
late 19th century CE
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Mumbai, India
This rich brocade sari with a wide border is a variation of a Kornad (situated in Tamil Nadu) sari. It is popularly known as temple sari. Technically any sari woven for and offered to a temple deity is known as temple sari. This rich brocade sari has a heavy pallu having thirteen bands embellished with floral designs and animal motifs like tigers, deers and peacocks. The ground has floral butis. Temple saris are also worn at the time of wedding and special occasions.
The red colour symbolises desire and passion. Red is also auspicious because it reflects emotional and fertility-related qualities , thus making it a suitable colour for brides and newly married women.
- Title: Kanchivaram Sari
- Date Created: late 19th century CE
- Location: India
- Provenance: Gift of Dr. Kalpana Desai
- Type: Sari
- Medium: Silk
- Region: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- History of Style of Technique: Hassel-free days of childhood end quickly and the spring of life commences with youth. As spring brings colour and fragrance the youth also experiences different emotions in life. This is also a stage when a person enters the world of a householder. Marriage initiates the life of a householder. Textiles associated with this new phase of life gain importance. Every religion, region and community has its own textiles associated with marriage ceremonies. Generally the bride wears either a red or yellow costume as red symbolizes hope and a new beginning and yellow symbolizes happiness as well as knowledge. On leaving her maiden world behind, along with sweet memories the bride takes with her heirloom textiles wrapped with blessings and love of her parents and dear ones. Thus traditional textiles are passed on from generation to generation as a symbol of love and care.
- Accession Number: 2005.1/5
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