Kanchipuram Silk Feature: Animal Motifs For The Win

Saree as the saying goes, is not merely a garment but an emotion for an Indian woman. She wears it with a great sense of pride and certainty, that she looks best in her ‘six yards of magic’. Any object of art draws inspiration from the vibrancy of this beautiful life, the natural surroundings that we live in, and the cultural factors that govern our lives; so does saree design. The motifs used in sarees are drawn copiously from the rich flora and fauna found in the diverse Indian landscape – from lush green forests, golden deserts, snow-clad mountains, and splendid seaside coasts to vernal valleys especially the animals inhabiting these habitats, each with its unique features.

Mayil

Kanchipuram silk sarees are known for their varied colours smooth textures, sparkly sheen, and majestic motifs. The motifs are very variegated and characterful and stand as solid representations of abstract ideas, religious practices, and natural images. Animal motifs especially, are portrayed in such vivid detail that they look truly life-like. The peacock (Mayil) motif symbolizes royalty, power, and good fortune and perfectly encapsulates the colour, beauty, and grandeur of the bird. 

Singam

The Singam (Lion) is another popular Kanchi motif, epitomising strength, stateliness, and majesty; needless to say, the lion’s regal appearance with its powerful limbs and golden mane is depicted precisely in the motif.

Maan

Then we have the deer (Maan) motif which is so beautiful and pleasing to the eye, just like the animal itself - its fawn-coloured, silky, smooth, sometimes spotted skin, large endearing eyes, and bouncy sprightly gait. The deer motif stands for gentleness, enchantment, and magic.

Yaanai

Next comes the elephant (Yaanai) motif in zari or thread, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the Kanchipuram silk saree. The elephant holds an iconic status in ancient Indian mythology and religious lore; with its colossal frame, pillar-like legs, and beautiful, unique trunk, it embodies strength, loyalty, wisdom, and fertility.

Hamsam

The Hamsam (Swan) motif bestows an elegance par excellence on the Kanchipuram saree which it is intricately woven in. The swan symbolizes the spirit (Atma) and betokens spiritual discrimination; with its dainty appearance and graceful, gliding movement in the water, the swan represents a certain gentleness and goodness that is hard to come by.

Kuthirai

The horse is another alluring, beautiful motif used in Kanchipuram silk sarees, representing speed, power, and focus. It is a handsome animal with its glossy skin, muscular body, and a bushy tail and a saree with horse motifs is delightful to the eyes.

Yaazhi

The Yaazhi is a ubiquitous motif not only in ancient Indian architectural structures but also in Kanchipuram sarees. It is a mythical bird with the head of a lion, the body of an elephant, and the fangs of a snake; the lion is a symbol of leadership, the elephant for strength, and the snake for latent danger. It is an intricate design that spells subdued, muted grandeur.

Conclusion

Tulsi Madras houses an amazing collection of animal theme Kanchipuram silk sarees – hand-painted Madhubani Kanchipuram sarees with Kamadhenu motifs, Nurvi Kanchipuram sarees with butterfly motifs in the body and an elaborate deer motif in the pallu, Paithani Kanchipuram with adorable parrot motifs, Korvai Kanchipuram double pattu with swan motifs and so many more in their adorable collection.