Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Revival of a Fading Handloom Tradition - The KHUN

The handloom sector in India is an integral part of our Indian cultural heritage. The array of textiles churned out by the Indian textile industry is not only reflective of the diverse cultural inheritance but is also symbolic of the prowess of our Indian weavers. Facing stiff competition from the power looms and the mill sector and plagued with drawbacks such as antiquated technology, working capital dilemmas and inadequate marketing capability, many textile art forms have begun to fade away.....One such fading handloom tradition is the Guledgudda Khana or Khun from North Karnataka. 
KHUN  - an art form to cherish. The woven fabric has an almost silk like sheen and is perfect to add that extra luster to your Diwali decor.
Typically used to make ravikes or cholis (sari blouses)  that pair well with Ilkal saris from the same region, their distinct weave creates an intricate brocade like pattern much like a honey comb. These  two-tone textiles come in a variety of jewel tones and cater to a niche segment in the suburban and villages of Karnataka and Maharashtra. I was introduced to this exquisite fabric by my mom who had her collection of Khun blouses that she'd team with starched cotton saris. 

On one of my visits back home, a wonderful and generous aunt who lives in Belgaum (Karnataka) let me help myself to some extra Khun blouse pieces that she had remaining after a pooja at her place. She knew that I'd find a good use for them and packed one in every possible color !!!
Khun Fabric cushion covers in intense colors elevate the festive ambiance in my living room.
A quick trip to the local darzi (tailor) and I ended up with these one of a kind cushion covers, that add bold punches of color to my decor. I have enough fabric remnants to make a table runner or more cushion covers in a patchwork style that I recently spotted on Jaypore. I was happy to see that it was making a come back. 

If you plan to incorporate dramatic colors to your festive decor, may I suggest you consider scouring your local fabric and textile stores that are brimming with inspiration. If you can't find the Khun, don't get disheartened, there is so much that Indian fabric stores have to offer. Just go with the flow and listen to your heart............  
In built borders make for easy mix and match.
If your short on time but want to recreate this look without the hassle of visiting your local darzi, then do check out the Khun soft furnishing range offered by Kale Nele .

I do hope that I've managed to jump-start the festive decorating spree with this vibrant post..........

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

8 comments:

  1. Love all the cushions Shruti...so colorful and pretty!!

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  2. Beautiful colors sruthi , I'm getting a few textiles from andhra made into table linens and cushions:) my mom is busy with that at the moment ! Have a great dussehra !

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  3. These are gorgeous. I will get some done my next visit to india! I love the khana fabric...rich jewel toned hues , what more could somebody who is color crazy like me ask for!

    ~deepa

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  4. Your cushion covers from blouse piece are just awesome. On my list when I visit home....:-).

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  5. Great idea, and they look fab in your nook!

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  6. Thank you everybody...........appreciate you'll stopping by

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