MR21133

The tree of life | Kalpavriksha

Depiction of tree of life through Kalamkari | Eri and Muga woven together | Muga Ghicha | Handspun Natural dyed Eri silk woven on throw shuttle loom

Spoken for

Navigating through the essence of Kalpavriksha, I took many years to decipher what could bring good homage to this Kalamkari. I requested a weaver from Tai Khampti community to weave Muga and Eri together and add phuta to it. This beautiful textured weave forms the base and pleats of the Sari. Borders of handspun handwoven indigo, Harda and lac dyed Eri silk along with Muga Ghicha were added to bring out the colours of the tree of life.

Mayuram, the peacocks speak through the pallu while the drape carries the magnificence of the tree and its myriad branches.

I visualise a dark night. Star filled sky and a thousand fireflies. Their radiance makes this tree come alive. The flowers begin to bloom and become visible to the eyes. The birds gather and witness the phenomena. Each leaf becomes a hologram changing colour with winds of change. The gold glows. While the red, green and blue strike into a fresh contrast.

Much magic unfolds. Much magic remains.

Kalpavriksha.

When the ocean churns, the tree of life appears.

Blouse fabrics

Buyer Empowerments

Eri, Muga and Muga Ghicha silk aspect of sari

Intrinsic
Value

Wearable textile made with ancient spinning, weaving and dyeing techniques. Home- reared, Hand spun, hand woven following indigenous methodology of Assam. Involves handspun Eri and Muga silk yarns woven together into a new weave texture with carefully crafted phuta- flower motifs.

Soul

Protein base. 100 % natural, Protein- based, organic, hand-made, from nature-back to nature. Something to grow old with and then pass it on to loved ones.

Well-being properties

Thermal insulation, Moisture absorption, UV protective, completely bio-degradable.

Kalamkari aspect of sari

Intrinsic
Value

Using traditional motif and skill used for making kalamkaris by artisans of Sri Kalahasti.

Soul

Cellulose base. Kora cotton.

The combined aspects of the sari

Creative
Aspect

One of a kind wearable textile that highlights the craftsmanship of Kalamkari set in harmony with indigenous skill of hand spinning, weaving and dyeing from Assam. The challenge was to be able to craft the horizontal dimension of a Sari through a vertical representation of tree of life. This leaves room for many a varied draping styles to emerge by the wearer.

Heft-Feel

Moderate

Weather/ Mood

Pleasant- okay for summers to nippy evenings

Longevity

Not fragile

Care

Dry Clean only; Needs “Airing” in shadow, not direct sun. No not wring

State

Sari is ready to wear. All saris come with blouse fabric(s). No fall/ beading required. The blouse used in photoshoot is for representation only and may not be the same blouse available with the sari. The blouse fabric given with the sari will be more in alignment with the aesthetics intended.

Drape

Elegant, festive, Statement wearable textile

Concerns
Addressed

Made in rural household. Weaves made by artisan at home in available time- supporting farming lifestyle. Direct connect with artisan.
Fair benefit to all makers and facilitators. No bulk buying or bargaining with artisans. Mutual decision-making.
No deadline/ pressure based work environment.
Made less, made ethically.
Has gone through no machinery or mechanised processing units
Supporting Kalamkari artisans of SriKalahasthi

Kalamkari by Subbarao, Sri Kalahasti.
Muga Ghicha is made under the supervision of Nang Dharmavati.
Muga ghicha yarn made at Gogamukh, Assam.
Muga and Eri Silk blend woven by Tai Khampti weavers of Arunachal Pradesh.
Eri silk made with Narmohan Das, Assam.
Stitched by Gurmel Singh, Jalalabad, Punjab.
Beadwork by Param, Bhatinda, Punjab.

Disclaimer:
Imperfections in the weaves reflect handmade
Irregularity in the dyes reflect natural process
Innocent spots in the textiles reflect being homemade
A work of nature cannot be sterile and error-free
A choice to still buy what we make is a step
Towards supporting original culture
Of people
Of nature
Of craft

A celebration of humanness.

Mora Collective 2026