ANNAPAKSHI – THE ICONIC MOTIF OF KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES
February 15, 2025
ANNAPAKSHI – THE ICONIC MOTIF OF KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES. Home MOTIFS are the factors that add life and spirit to the elegance of Kanchipuram silk sarees. The amazing beauty of these silk sarees is enhanced by impressive motifs which signifies the brilliant artistry of the creators. Of all the motifs designed for Kanchipuram silk sarees, the most familiar is the SWAN or the ANNAPAKSHI motif. Bearing a strong resemblance of a peacock, the annapakshi is believed to be a divine mythical bird that flew down from heaven. It is also the favourite bird for many poets as we can find writings about this bird Annam in many literatures and poems. One example being that the Annapakshi described as a love messenger between Nala and Damayanti. The Annapakshi is considered to be a symbol of purity and prosperity which stands as an icon of wealth and richness. Mythical sayings accept that these birds are very clever so that they can choose truth over deceit. There is also a saying according to the Vedas that Annapakshi can separate pure milk when water and milk are mixed together. Believed to possess the ability to discrete the good and evil, the Annapakshi stands as a representation of fidelity and morality according to our ancient writings. As a symbol of good wealth and prosperity, the Annapakshi motif is the most loved motif used in Kanchipuram silk sarees. The Annapakshi motif is used in borders and pallus generally weaved in zari and contrasting silk threads. The sarees adorned with Annapakshi motifs are rich in design and elegance. The borders of Kanchipuram silk sarees are sometimes handwoven with Annapakshi motif with golden zari. Weavers use a large motif of Annapakshi to ornament the pallu giving the saree a luxurious appearance. The complex work of the weavers in weaving the Annapakshi motif, has given us the legacy of the divine bird as a form of wealth and affluence for us to cherish through generations. Trendy Products Sale! Add to cart Pure Kanchipuram Silk Saree In Orange With Contrast Big Border Rated 0 out of 5 ₹15,560 Original price was: ₹15,560.₹15,560Current price is: ₹15,560. Add to cart Pure Soft Silk Saree In Green Color With Rich Buttas Rated 0 out of 5 ₹7,900 Sale! Add to cart Pure Soft Silk Saree In Blue Color With Contrast Blouse & Pallu Rated 0 out of 5 ₹9,650 Original price was: ₹9,650.₹9,650Current price is: ₹9,650. Sale! Add to cart Pure Soft Silk Saree In Greenish With Contrast Border & Blouse Rated 0 out of 5 ₹9,680 Original price was: ₹9,680.₹9,680Current price is: ₹9,680. “Well known for the beauty and charm, Annapakshi motif is definitely THE QUEEN OF ALL MOTIFS.”
View Details
EMBODIMENT OF MAGNIFICENCE – THE ELEPHANT MOTIF
February 15, 2025
EMBODIMENT OF MAGNIFICENCE – THE ELEPHANT MOTIF Representing power and strength, Elephant – the gentle giant stands as a royal depiction of serenity and might. The elephant has always been a favourite fantasy to us, especially children and they are well known for both calmness and toughness with respect to the circumstances. As an elephant in the battlefield, withstands arrows shot from bows all around, so shall I endure abuse -The Buddha In agreement to the above statement, elephants symbolise strength and robustness, which proved to be the inspiration for the traditional Kanchipuram saree weavers to use elephant motifs in many of their works. It is seen that elephant is the most preferred motif for many saree lovers. ELEPHANTS IN WARFARE Owning an elephant was a factor of pride and royalty in Mauryan times, when only the kings were allowed to possess an elephant. Kings with elephant troops in battles were considered to be very powerful. It was said that elephants must be well trained so that it can withstand attacks from all kinds of weapons, destroy the enemy troops and primarily safeguard its rider. The huge size of the elephants was believed to affect the enemy psychologically which disturbed their confidence. ELEPHANTS IN MYTHOLOGY Elephant holds an important place in Hindu Iconography – from being believed to be a Godly deity (Lord Ganesa) to being revered as holy vahana(vehicle) for Indian Gods. In Buddhism, there is a tale of Queen Maya the mother of Gautama Buddha in which she had a weird dream of a white elephant entering her stomach and very soon she discovered that she was pregnant with the great sage. By this Buddhism reinforces the belief of elephants to be authority and royalty. Elephant is a very frequently found totem in many cultures and religions and every tradition have their own beliefs about the creature. In a few traditions, it is believed that elephants carry and guard the earth on their backs just like a turtle carrying its shell which is believed to bearing the world on its back. THE INSPIRATIONAL MOTIF The hathi or the yanai – as it is regionally called – the elephant holds heavy and positive connotation and credence, which turned out to be a great inspiration for our Kanchipuram silk weavers to use the elephant as a motif. As traditional Kanchipuram weavers draw inspiration from the temple architecture of the city, this motif of elephants is also taken from the same. One can very commonly see elephants holding the pillars of the temples which represents massive strength and power. Elephants symbolize good luck and wisdom, in addition to fertility and protection. It is believed that an elephant with a raised trunk is a sign to attract good fortune and luck as it showers all its positivity out. Whereas an elephant with its trunk down is in resting state with all the accumulated positive energy, waiting to fight off all the obstacles on its way. ELEPHANT MOTIF IN KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES Majestic in appearance and robust in nature elephant is naturally a magnificent creature. Popular for the royalty and dignity, elephant is always a symbol of great power and strength. Elephant motifs are recurring designs that are very special in Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is indeed a good sight to see the elephants march on the borders of the sarees and golden elephants spread all over the pallu and the body of the saree. These elegant and bold elephant motifs add beauty to the already beautiful Kanchipuram silk sarees.
View Details
THE SOUL OF KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES
February 15, 2025
MOTIFS – THE SOUL OF KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES The exhilarating process of buying a Kanchipuram silk saree involves the most important part of selecting THE DISTINCT ONE. And this must satisfy one’s expectations of vibrant colour, fine designs and most importantly – attractive MOTIFS. Motifs are the repetitive decorative images and designs that is weaved all through the saree, the borders and the pallu forming an intricate pattern. The charm of a Kanchipuram silk saree lies in the motifs that adorns the saree with different colours, patterns and designs. The decorative motifs add a special aesthetic feel to the saree and makes it richer and more elegant. INSPIRATION OF THE MOTIFS: Motifs are woven intricately with zari and colour threads, with special patterns of images depicting various components of nature and Indian mythology. The designs not only donate to the aesthetic aspect but also has various symbolic significations. The Motifs of the Kanchipuram silk sarees are also inspired from the rich cultural heritage of our country, the splendid architecture, classic paintings and the historic sculptures found in the temples of Kanchipuram and from different art forms such as dance and Tamil literature. TRADITIONAL MOTIFS: The traditionally well-known motifs of the Kanchipuram silk sarees are mostly designed from various life elements of the nature. This includes the sun, stars, trees, swan, lotus, elephant, lion, peacock, kewra flower (thazhambu), tree of life (kalpa vruksha), vessel of prosperity (purna kumbha), and many other traditional motifs. The zari work of the Kanchipuram silk sarees is adorned with distinct and decorative motifs are inspired from our nature and which are generally categorized as flora and fauna motifs. DECORATIVE MOTIFS: Well known for its rich ornamentation and designs, Kanchipuram silk sarees are decorated with images and drawings inspired from our national heritage and the temples of Kanchipuram. One such known motif is the famous temple motif which comes from the tapestry of the temples of the town. This motif is used in weaving the pallu and the border together with the saree. This is given by the rows of triangles which is weaved by the interlocking of the fabric which is the unique pattern called korvai. In addition to the classic motifs, there are several geometric shapes which adds essence to the vibrant colours. Checks, triangles, grids, lines, dots, circles and diamonds are few of the designs that are weaved as a pattern in Kanchipuram silk sarees. The Motifs being the soul of Kanchipuram silk sarees, are beautifully designed and delicately weaved and stand as a genuine proof for the outstanding workmanship of the weavers. They also authenticate the rich literature and temple architecture along with our long-held heritage.
View Details