India’s handloom traditions are layered, regional, and deeply specialised. At RURIethnic, we focus on techniques that represent both heritage and everyday elegance. Two such crafts that define our collections are Kadhua weaving from Banaras and handblock printing from Rajasthan.
Kadhua is one of the most intricate and respected weaving techniques associated with Banaras. Unlike surface embellishment or supplementary embroidery, Kadhua work is woven directly into the fabric, motif by motif, using a traditional handloom.
Each motif in a Kadhua Banarasi saree is individually interlocked with the warp and weft. This means that no loose threads appear at the back of the fabric, and the design becomes an inseparable part of the weave itself. The process is slow, meticulous, and demands exceptional concentration from the weaver.
At RURIethnic, our Kadhua sarees are crafted in pure silk and silk blends that retain the richness of Banaras while remaining wearable. These are sarees that do not rely on excess ornamentation. Instead, they speak through structure, detail, and the quiet confidence of true craftsmanship.
A genuine Kadhua handloom saree can take weeks to complete. It is this time, skill, and restraint that gives the fabric its depth and longevity, qualities that mass-produced Banarasi sarees simply cannot replicate.
Handblock printing is a centuries-old textile tradition practised across Rajasthan, where craft and environment exist in close dialogue. This technique involves hand-carved wooden blocks, each created specifically for a single motif or colour.
The printing process is entirely manual. Artisans dip the blocks into dye and stamp them onto fabric with steady precision. Each colour requires a separate block and a separate round of printing, making the process layered and time-intensive. Minor irregularities are not errors, they are proof of the human hand.
RURIethnic handblock sarees are sourced from artisan clusters in Rajasthan and crafted primarily in cotton and cotton-silk blends. These fabrics are chosen for their breathability, comfort, and ability to carry colour with depth rather than shine.
Handblock printed sarees celebrate rhythm, repetition and restraint. They are expressive without being loud, rooted without feeling dated making them ideal for everyday wear, workspaces, and intimate gatherings.
