Kanchipuram Weaves
The Kanchipuram silk saree gets its name from the town it originated in –
Kanchipuram, a small temple town south of Chennai. The fine quality of the silk,
the vibrant, rich and luscious hues and the artistic design of the borders and
the 'pallu' set this silk from the south of India apart from the rest. The 'zari'
work in the border and the Pallu are generally woven in gold-dipped silver
threads. Every saree is an artistic creation, a unique masterpiece and no two
sarees are alike. Whether the saree is a plain silk or is one with little gold
motifs scattered all over its body, or has little gold squares or stripes, these
master weavers integrate everything into a homogenous composition of magical
craftsmanship. It is reputed to be so durable that it may be hand washed in
water. The Kanjeevaram saree is a tradition often passed on from mother to
daughter over several generations as an heirloom.