Bandhani Silk Cuff Kaftan | mehndi & navy

• One size: fits S-L comfortably
  • Length center front 48”
  • Chest 50” round
  • Hip 56” round
  • ‘Sleeve’ length 14.5"

+/- a tolerance inherent to hand made clothing

• Fabric: 100% habutai silk
• Handfeel: Soft & light with a fluid drape
• Care: Gentle & quick hand wash in mild detergent. Don't soak as some colours may run. Drip dry in the shade. Gentle steam iron.
• Origin: Gujarat, India

 

 

Textile Story

 

Bandhani derives from the Sanskrit word, banda, meaning "to tie" and developed during the Indus River Civilisation. The typical bandhani style of concentrations of small dots that we are familiar with today dates back to the 6th century AD where evidence of this style was found in the Ajanta caves. 

 

Our bandhani craftswomen in Bhuj, Gujarat, are repositories of this ancient skill, which involves taking the minutest pinch of fabric between two fingers and wrapping thread around the pinched cloth.

 

This laborious process is repeated across the surface of the fabric, which is then dyed. Areas under the thread resist the dye, and upon opening, reveal a complex of tiny dots. The smaller the bandhani, the more skilled the craftswoman. 

 

Any variations or irregularities are to be celebrated. They are part of the design & inherent to the handcrafted production process, making this item beautifully unique.