If you were in the 17th century and wanted to leave a message for the future generations, how would you do it?
Cheriyal Paintings - a stylised form of Nakashi art - originated with probably this purpose in mind. These scroll paintings, rich in the local motifs rooted in Telangana culture, are painted in a narrative form, much like a comic strip or a film roll typically depicting stories from the Puranas or the epics, but also to depict daily activities of the era. It is one of the many rich scroll painting art forms that continue to exist in India today. Practised by only a small group of artisans in the present day, it is quite rare to find this painting on fabric, and even more so on sarees.
As part of our #sixypsignature series, we created the CHERIYAL CHRONICLES line in collaboration with aState Award winning artist to bring a beautiful craft to a beautiful garment - the saree. The paintings have been done on the pallus of beautiful, handwoven Maheswari Silk Cotton Sarees with motifs celebrating women at work in the rural settings of Telangana.
The sarees are delicate and intricately painted and embroidered with vibrant colours and motifs and make for the most coveted heritage pieces in one's wardrobe.
