Difference Between Mysore Silk and Kanchipuram Silk

The Indian culture has always displayed elegance, modernity, grace and tradition in fashion since ages ago. 

There are a variety of fabrics, commonly referred to as sarees which include Kanchipuram silk, Mysore silk, banarasi silk, kanjeevaram silk saree, tussar silk saree and art silk sarees, just to name a few.  These may be difficult to distinguish, given the wide variety available. 

Although they all play an important role in Indian culture, they differ in terms of visual elements, weaving methods, origin and the intricacy of the designs. In this article, we will analyze the differences between Mysore silk and Kanchipuram silk.  

What is Mysore silk?

Dating back to Tipu Sultan’s reign, this is a silk saree manufactured in Karnataka characterized by gold zari and a mixture of the softest silk material. This gives it a rich texture and a natural sheen, and are hence worn during Indian festivals and weddings. 

The manufacture of Mysore silk sarees entails the production of yarn from hand-picked single cocoons. The density of the silk fiber is then measured. To extract threads, the cocoons are boiled and then converted into thread rolls. These are then sent to the weaving factory. The Mysore silk contains 0.65% gold and 65% silver, making it one of the most expensive sail saree. 

Saris made from Mysore silk are durable and long-lasting and maybe dyed with natural pigments. They do not wear off with a single wash. To maintain the fabric, they should be dry cleaned with a light detergent. Long exposure under the sun should also be avoided. 

What is a Kanchipuram silk?

Commonly worn on special occasions such as weddings, these are silk sarees woven from pure mulberry silk thread in India. Three shuttles are used in the weaving process, hence the border designs and colors used differ. To determine a genuine Kanchipuram silk sari, body and border are woven separately then interlocked, with a strong joint such that the border cannot detach. 

The saris have wide contrast borders, with checks, temple borders, florals and stripes. The patters derive inspiration from natural features including birds, leaves and animals or scriptures and images from South Indian temples.

Similarities between Mysore silk and Kanchipuram silk

• Both are handicraft sarees
• Both are worn on special occasions

Differences between Mysore silk and Kanchipuram silk

Definition

Mysore silk refers to a silk saree manufactured in Karnataka characterized by gold zari and a mixture of the softest silk material. On the other hand, Kanchipuram silk refers to silk sarees woven from pure mulberry silk thread in India. 

Area of manufacture

Mysore silk is manufactured in Mysore, Karnataka, Kanchipuram silk is manufactured in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. 

Material used

Mysore silk is made from pure mulberry silk, 0.65% gold and 65% silver. On the other hand, Kanchipuram silk is made from pure mulberry silk

Mysore silk vs. Kanchipuram silk: Comparison Table

Summary of Mysore silk vs. Kanchipuram silk

Mysore silk refers to a silk saree manufactured in Karnataka characterized by gold zari and a mixture of the softest silk material. On the other hand, Kanchipuram silk refers to silk sarees woven from pure mulberry silk thread in India. Both are however handicraft sarees and worn on special occasions. 

Sharing is caring!