The Century Collection - The Silk People
FIRST TIME IN INDIA

THE CENTURY COLLECTION

A singular masterpiece that resurrects the lost art of authentic Thirubuvanam weaving, crafted exactly as it was done 100 years ago.

This is not just a saree. It is the revival of forgotten techniques, the preservation of heritage, and the embodiment of centuries-old craftsmanship in its purest form.

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THE CREATION PROCESS

A labor-intensive journey spanning over 30 days, involving multiple skilled artisans and four distinct stages

STAGE 1

Pre-Loom Preparation

Warping

Thousands of silk threads are carefully measured and wound onto a large wooden warping drum to achieve the required 6-yard length and proper density.

Sizing

Warp threads are coated with rice starch paste, strengthening the delicate silk threads and giving the fabric its characteristic stiff feel.

Traditional Dyeing

Silk yarns are dyed separately - body yarn in base colors, border yarn in contrasting shades, and pallu yarn to match the border or create another contrast.

Warping process
Traditional loom setup
STAGE 2

Loom Setup

Dressing the Loom

The sized and dyed warp beam is mounted, with each thread painstakingly drawn through heddle eyes and reed - a highly skilled process requiring expert hands.

Traditional Pattern Setting

Before modern Jacquard systems, all patterns were created manually using "Junku" technique for body and border, and "Adai" technique for the elaborate pallu.

STAGE 3

The Sacred Weaving

Master Craftsmanship

Highly skilled weavers work in pairs on frame looms, operating treadles with their feet while throwing shuttles with practiced precision.

Korvai Interlocking

The signature technique where differently colored weft threads are manually interlocked at border junctions, creating sharp, clean lines without any single thread crossing between sections.

Pallu Artistry

The most intricate work featuring elaborate zari designs - peacocks, temple motifs - where every thread placement requires absolute precision and artistic vision.

Korvai weaving technique
Traditional finishing process
STAGE 4

The Final Touch

Meticulous Inspection

Every inch is examined for weaving errors, broken threads, or color inconsistencies - quality control that ensures only perfection reaches the wearer.

Traditional Folding

The finished saree is folded in the natural, specific traditional manner - the same fan folding technique used when loading the beam during weaving.

WHAT MAKES IT EXTRAORDINARY

Key differentiators that set authentic Thirubuvanam sarees apart from any other silk in Tamil Nadu

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Softer Touch

While maintaining their legendary durability, Thirubuvanam sarees offer a uniquely softer feel compared to any other silk saree in Tamil Nadu.

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Ancient Aesthetics

The motifs carry a distinctly different, more ancient aesthetic that reflects the rich Chola heritage and centuries of artistic evolution.

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Superior Zari Border

Connoisseurs recognize the particularly intricate and robust zari borders that demonstrate the pinnacle of traditional metallic thread artistry.

THE LEGACY OF THIRUBUVANAM

A 650-year tradition revived in its authentic form

Thirubuvanam, a small town near the temple city Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is one of the three major silk weaving hubs in the state, alongside Kanchipuram and Aarani.

Its silk weaving tradition was established by master weavers who migrated from Gujarat some 650 years ago, bringing with them the secrets of silk that would transform this humble town into a center of textile excellence.

The signature product of Thirubuvanam is the pure silk saree, distinguished by three defining characteristics that make it legendary.

Thirubuvanam weaving tradition

Korvai Technique

The defining feature involving weaving the body, border and pallu with separately dyed yarns of different colors, then interlocking them to create sharp, zari-edged designs without any gap.

Authentic Zari Work

Use of genuine gold and silver thread for intricate patterns used in body, border and pallu, creating the lustrous beauty that has made these sarees treasured heirlooms.

Generational Durability

Known for their heavy weight, dense weave, and exceptional durability, often lasting for generations with traditional motifs like temple borders, peacocks, and parrots.

OWN A PIECE OF LIVING HISTORY

This is more than an acquisition. It is the preservation of a dying art, the support of master craftsmen, and the ownership of a singular piece that represents the resurrection of forgotten techniques. Only one exists. Once it finds its home, this particular fusion of past and present can never be recreated exactly the same way again.

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Certificate of authenticity • Detailed documentation • Worldwide shipping