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KORAI PAI

Course: Woven Design Project

Guided by: Mr. Karthikeyan Balaraman
Duration: 26/03/2024 - 18/04/2024

Brief:

The Advanced Weaving course focuses on mastering complex weave structures and using WeavePoint software for digital design, culminating in creating a cohesive woven collection and physical samples based on a chosen inspiration.

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NEEL​ VARG

Indigo-dyed korai grass mats.

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EMBER DAYS​

Illusion-inspired red korai table runner.

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T H E   C L I E N T

CRAFTS COUNCIL OF INDIA

 

The Crafts Council of India, established in 1964 by Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, promotes and preserves traditional Indian crafts. Its unique strength lies in supporting artisans, promoting sustainability, and maintaining a vast archive of handmade products. The council's initiatives span skill development, heritage conservation, and market integration for craft communities.

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T H E   M A T E R I A L

KORAI GRASS

 

Korai grass (Cyperus Rotundus) is a durable, flexible wetland sedge native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. Its soft yet resilient fibers are ideal for crafting eco-friendly, long-lasting items like mats and baskets. In South India, korai grass mats, or paai, are valued for their cooling effect, comfort, and cultural significance.

T H E C R A F T

PATTAMADAI PAI​

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The Pattamadai pai is a traditional South Indian mat made from korai grass, known for its soft texture and intricate weave. Originating from Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu, the mats are crafted through a process of soaking, splitting, and dyeing the grass. Valued for their durability, vibrant patterns, and cultural significance, Pattamadai mats are used for sitting, sleeping, or as wedding gifts, reflecting skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.

T H E   C O N C E P T

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INTO THE DEEP 

 

Korai pai, a traditional craft, deserves to remain true to its natural roots, free from chemical dyes. My vision is to celebrate its authenticity by introducing indigo dyeing to korai grass. Unlike conventional dyes,  indigo ensures vibrant color without the issue of bleeding, staying natural while promoting sustainability.

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DESIGN LAYOUT  

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The standard mat size at CCI is 74" by 35". For the final prototype, this will be scaled down proportionally to 17.5" by 32".

FINAL DESIGN 

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These two layouts were chosen for their ease of construction. By simply dyeing half of the korai grass and weaving it in a plain weave pattern, the process becomes less labor-intensive while still achieving a visually appealing design. This technique allows for efficient production and consistent results.

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GALLERY

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THE

EXPERIMENTATION

1.

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The process began by soaking korai fibers in water for 2 days to soften them. Bundles were then tied to create resist patterns for an Ikat effect. Experimentation with direct dyes initially yielded vibrant results. However, the dye quickly faded within 2 days of weaving, leaving a muted finish. 

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This highlighted the significant amount of chemical dyes required to achieve the vibrant colors seen in Pattamadai mats. Following this realization, the experimentation shifted to using Indigo for a more natural approach.

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2.

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The process was repeated with Indigo, where the korai was boiled in the dye for 30 minutes and then soaked for 2 nights, allowing complete color penetration.

3.

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For the final sample, the same process was followed. The korai grass was first soaked in water and then immersed in indigo dye for two days. Through manual manipulation during the weaing process, a chevron effect was achieved in the woven pattern.

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     T H E   C O N C E P T

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 EMBER DAYS

 

The concept focuses on creating an illusion through a minimalistic design, where the interplay of two colors adds visual intrigue. The same design will be mirrored on the backside of the mat for a cohesive look.

TABLE RUNNER FINAL LAYOUT

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The new table runner was constructed by repurposing broken korai mat twigs, creatively utilizing existing materials to give them a new purpose and extend their life.

FINAL PRODUCT

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