Kota Doria Cotton Saree Powder Blue Embroidered Paisley

This Kota Doria saree is a calm powder blue its sheer cotton silk ground built on the fine square khat grid the weave is named for Along the border and across the pallu a band of self toned white embroidery traces floral sprigs and curling paisley kairi motifs the body is left plain so the open airy weave and its soft blue tone carry the saree The white work here is embroidered thread not print Hold the pallu to the light and you will see the stitches stand slightly proud of the surface with the thread crossing the reverse of the cloth a printed paisley would lie flat and show nothing on the back The khat grid tells the rest of the story each small square blends matte cotton with a few silk threads so the ground shimmers unevenly and you can see straight through it A powerloom copy gives mathematically even checks and a papery synthetic hand a handwoven Kota Doria shows tiny irregularities in the grid and the light coarse breath of a pit loom Kota Doria is woven in and around Kaithoon near Kota in Rajasthan on looms handed down through weaving families The fragile yarn is strengthened with a rice or onion starch sizing before it goes on the loom the only way a cloth this sheer survives weaving An understated drape for daytime occasions office festives summer gatherings a temple morning worn over a fitted blouse with pearl or silver studs and a fresh flower gajra