The Pinnacle of Kashmiri Craftsmanship: Kani Silk Sarees

Welcome to Avishya’s definitive collection of Kani Silks—where centuries-old Persian tapestry techniques meet the distinct aesthetic of the Kashmir Valley. Named after the Kani (small wooden bobbins) used to weave them, these sarees are not embroidered; the intricate patterns are born on the loom itself.

At Avishya, we curate Kani Silks not as souvenirs of the past, but as living textiles meant to be worn, treasured, and passed on. Whether you seek the royal warmth of a Pashmina-based classic or the breezy elegance of a lighter weight, summer-friendly silk, our Kani collection offers a piece of woven poetry for every connoisseur.

The Origin of Kani

The word Kani refers to the small wooden sticks or bobbins made of forest wood. Unlike traditional sarees where a shuttle carries a single thread across the width, Kani weaving involves hundreds of these sticks, each threaded with a different coloured silk or pashmina yarn.

Guided by the ancient Talim system—a coded set of weaving instructions—each kani is meticulously manipulated by hand to create the legendary Jamewar patterns directly on the loom. The process is so intricate and demanding that a single Kani saree can take anywhere from several weeks to many months to weave, depending on the complexity of its design.

The Kani weave is the Indian subcontinent’s most refined expression of tapestry weaving, a technique closely linked to the Persian Termeh. This artistic lineage connects the Kani to other heritage handlooms such as the Himroo of Aurangabad; both share a DNA of complex extra-weft weaving and Persian floral geometry.

Our Kani Collection

At Avishya, we categorise our Kani collection into distinct styles to suit the diverse climates of India.

1. The Regular Classics: Royal Pashmina Kani

Our Heavy Classics are a tribute to the Mughal era. Woven with pure, high-altitude Pashmina, these sarees are substantial and incredibly soft.

The Design
Features the Full Jamewar style, where the entire six yards are covered in intricate motifs.

The Inspiration
Draws from the rich flora and fauna of Kashmir, the Shalimar Gardens, and the pomp of Mughal royalty.

Best For
Winter weddings and heritage collectors.

2. The Summer Kani: Light Silk & Zari

For those in the hotter zones of India, we have reimagined the Kani. These sarees are crafted with a lighter silk yarn, making them breathable and easy to drape without losing the complexity of the weave.

The Detail
Enhanced with stylish zari embellishments, these pieces offer a contemporary shimmer, perfect for daytime festivities.

Explore More from Kashmir

Kani weaving is just one facet of Kashmir’s extraordinary textile heritage. If you’re drawn to the region’s artistry, we invite you to explore these collections as well:

• Sozni Embroidered Kaftans – delicate hand embroidery known for its fine, needle-like precision

• Tilla Work Kurtas – traditional metallic embroidery rooted in Kashmiri ceremonial wear

• Kashmiri Printed Sarees – lighter interpretations inspired by classic Kashmiri motifs