Vahni – Raw Silk Kalamkari Cushion Cover – 20 X 20 – Art Cushion Series – Bloc a Main India

The Kalamkari Process Crafted using the traditional Kalamkari technique, this cushion cover represents the mastery of Indian artisans. The meticulous 23-step process includes:

1.  Fabric Preparation:  Raw silk is used for this piece,
2. Soaking in Myrobalan Solution: The fabric is treated with myrobalan (a natural dye) to achieve a smoother texture.
3. Sketching the Design: Artisans freehand the motifs using bamboo pens dipped in vegetable dyes.
4. First Outline: Initial outlines are drawn with black dye extracted from jaggery and iron filings.
5. Washing the Fabric: The fabric is washed to remove excess dye, ensuring clarity in designs.
6. Boiling for Color Fixation: It is boiled with a mix of natural fixatives like tamarind seed paste.
7. Color Blocking: Base colors (yellow and orange for Vahni) are filled using vegetable dyes.
8. Shading the Motifs: Skilled artisans add depth with intricate shading.
9. Application of Red Dyes: A madder-based red is applied to add vibrancy.
10. Detailing with Blue and Green: Accents are created using indigo and green vegetable dyes.
11. Sun-Drying: The fabric is dried under direct sunlight to set the colors.
12. Wax Coating: Wax is applied on specific areas to resist dyes in subsequent steps.
13. Second Wash: The wax is removed using hot water.
14. Natural Mordant Application: Alum is applied as a mordant to intensify colors.
15. Boiling for Final Fixation: The fabric is boiled again to set all colors permanently.
16. Final Sun-Drying: A second round of sun-drying ensures the colors remain vibrant.
17. Softening: The fabric is beaten gently to enhance texture.
18. Cutting to Size: The fabric is cut into the required dimensions for cushion covers.
19. Stitching: Skilled tailors stitch the fabric into cushion covers.
20. Quality Inspection: Every piece is checked for consistency in design and color.
21. Labeling: The covers are labeled with care instructions.
22. Packaging: Carefully packed to preserve the artwork.
23. Final Product Ready: Delivered as a masterpiece for your home.

Care Instructions
To maintain the integrity of the raw silk fabric and vegetable dyes, it is recommended to dry clean only. This ensures the longevity of the vibrant colors and the durability of the Kalamkari artwork.

Add the Vahni cushion cover to your collection and bring a piece of Indian mythology into your living space!