A handwoven Banarasi Katan silk saree in rakhtambari — a deep, blood-warm red — its field drawn over with fine matsya butis (fish motifs) woven thread by thread across the drape. The motifs, anchal and border are all woven in zari, the matsya vocabulary running evenly into the anchal and held along the edges by a steady Banarasi border. Handwoven in Varanasi on a traditional pit loom.
Matsya butis are among the more particular Kadhua motifs to set on a loom — the small fish need to read clean and identical down the length, and any drift in placement shows immediately. That kind of demand is exactly what makes a Banarasi a luxury textile: the weave will not forgive shortcuts, so the cloth carries only what the weaver has built thread by thread.
The drape carries a second weave: Ektara. Where Kadhua gives the piece its precision, Ektara gives it its hand — softer, flowier, with a deeper gloss and an easier hand to drape.
Styling Note
Drape in a classic Nivi style for vertical fall, or in a Gujarati drape to display the anchal at the front of the body. Pair with antique-gold or kundan — temple jhumkas with a slim choker, a polki haar, or a chand-bali. A tonal red or contrasting old-gold tissue blouse both work.
| Weave |
Kadhua & Ektara |
| Motif |
Fine matsya (fish) butis woven thread by thread across the field |
| Zari |
Woven in zari throughout |
| Border & Anchal |
Steady Banarasi border framing the drape; anchal carries the matsya vocabulary forward |
| Colour |
Rakhtambari — a deep, warm shade of red |
| Material |
Katan silk |
| Measurement |
5.5 metres saree with 1 metre blouse piece |
| Origin |
Handwoven in Varanasi on a traditional pit loom |
Caring for Your Handloom
A handloom saree is not just worn — it is preserved, rested, and cared for over time.
After wearing, allow the saree to settle gently. Dry clean only, so the weave, colour, and zari remain protected. When storing, wrap it in a soft muslin cloth and keep it in a dry place. Zari is delicate and responds to changes in weather; the muslin helps the textile breathe while keeping the weave stable.
Avoid spraying perfume directly onto the saree, as fragrance and alcohol can affect the fabric and zari. Every few months, open it out and let it air naturally for a while — a small ritual that allows the weave to breathe and helps the saree stay beautiful for years.
For any specific care requirements, please contact us on +91 73032 57788.
Every Stuti Weaves saree is woven to a standard width of 44–46 inches.
