Jamdani Cotton Kashgar Kurta | indigo

A relaxed tunic-dress with a softly architectural silhouette, informed by the panelled construction of traditional Central Asian tunics and robes. Cut with a loose A-line shape and underarm gussets for movement, the silhouette feels at once grounded and refined; equally suited to solitary wear or layered loosely over trousers. Crafted from exceptionally fine handwoven cotton, the cloth is featherlight, breathable, and softly structured.

 

• Relaxed A-line silhouette with generous ease
• Front yoke with concealed placket and contrast piping detail
• Panelled construction with underarm gussets for shape and movement
• Cropped 3/4 sleeves
• Midi length
• Side seam pockets
• Crafted from handspun & woven lightweight cotton: some pieces in plain weave, some feature delicate extra-weft jamdani motifs. Some fabrics are dyed using natural dyes and some may be slightly sheer.
• All orders come lovingly packed in upcycled silk bags

• SM
  • Length 44”
  • Chest 53” round
  • Hip 63” round
  • Sleeve length 18” & opening 12” round
• ML
  • Length 45”
  • Chest 56” round
  • Hip 66” round
  • Sleeve length 20” & opening 13” round

+/- a tolerance inherent to hand made clothing

• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Handfeel: Lightweight, ultra soft
• Care: Gentle hand wash separately in cold water. Do not soak. Gentle steam iron. Drip dry flat in the shade.
• Origin: West Bengal, India

 

 

Textile Story

 

Jamdani is the best known of several extra-weft embroidery techniques practiced in India; an intriguing process - part embroidery, part weave. The highly skilled weaver adds, by hand, additional weft threads to the weave with a small bamboo stick, while the threads are on the loom & in the process of weaving.

 

Originating in Bengal around the 5th century & initially known as Dhakai after the city of Dhaka, this art form reached its zenith under patronage from the Mughul rulers of India in the 16th & 17th centuries. It became known as jamdani, probably originating from the Persian for “vase of flowers” due to its extensive use of floral motifs. Because of the skill & time required to create it, jamdani was worn only by the rich who could afford to invest in such a beautiful cloth.

 

We partner with a Bengali Weaver’s Society to craft jamdani which blends heritage designs with a contemporary aesthetic. 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.