Fwd: Handwoven Saris by Designer Pradeep Pillai
Sanatkada "Weaves & Crafts"
NALANDA saris
In Nalanda, Bihar, Pradeep specialize in different forms of the supplementary weft-weaving technique on tussar silks. The saris uses the same weave but the use of fine desi tussar yarn gives it a classic yet contemporary twist. The conscious decision of not using the popular Chinese yarn which is commonly used in tasar makes these saris unique in texture and give the fabric a nice drape.
Pradeep has been trying to give a fresh impetus to the bawan booti sari—the traditional sari of this Buddhist belt which had 52 bootis (florets) in its body by introducing newer motifs. He travels a lot across the Buddhist belt and some of the designs are named ‘Sarnath’, ‘Surajpur’ and ‘Padmapani’ corresponding to the names of ancient Buddhist places of worship from where the inspiration for these designs comes from. He works with about 8-10 artisans in the area, and of late, has been training them to work with graphic asymmetric patterns. His saris are designed in such a way that they cannot be reproduced on power looms, thus making it a unique feature of the collection.
VENKATAGIRI saris
Anyone familiar with this weave knows that this is traditionally a fine 100-count cotton sari from Andhra Pradesh. “Fine cotton weaving is a high skill technique but there is little demand for cotton saris, hence fine cotton Venkatagiris are on a decline.
Pradeep has been working on retaining this fine cotton saree. He insists his weavers continue using the traditional yarn but adds a contemporary twist by introducing new designs and colors.
Since in the modern times sarees have become more of occasional wear, women want to spend money on a sari with zari and silk making it look more festive. To tackle this is Pradeeps version of the Venkatagiris, while the fine 100-count cotton warp stays he has introduced a fine silk in the weft. He has also introduced an asymmetric graphic design vocabulary and has tried to convince a few weavers to stay put by reintroducing old designs with heavier anchals which result in better remuneration for their skills. These traditional designs get a contemporary twist with the use of an unusual colour combination or the use of silver zari.
CHANDERI saris
Off late Pradeep has been working on the famed Chanderi saris from Madhya Pradesh. The Chanderi Saree is intricately woven by hand interspersed with the delicacy of the extra weft motifs that has for time immemorial satisfied the refined tastes of the royalty. The use of Geometric designs and asymmetric Jaals make his saris are distinctly different from the regular chanderi saris.
130 Jagdish Chandra Bose Road,
Qaiser Bagh, Lucknow 226 001
Uttar Pradesh, INDIA
PHONE : 91-522-4077698
MOBILE : 91-9415104361
