Tanchoi Silk Pillows & Table Runners : Handwoven in Varanasi

Tanchoi silk pillows and table runners hand-loomed in Varanasi, with botanical florals woven into the silk rather than printed – one of the most labour-intensive Banarasi weaves. Every piece is limited edition and ships free to the US and Canada with duties covered.

From the Journal

The Art of the Narrative Weave: A Guide to Tanchoi Silk

In the world of high-end textiles, Tanchoi silk occupies a rare space. It is a technique defined not by surface decoration, but by struct...

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Common Questions

What is Tanchoi silk?

Tanchoi is a Banarasi silk-weaving technique from Varanasi with a fine satin or twill base and a dense supplementary weft that carries the pattern. Its defining feature is that the motif — usually botanical florals or birds — is woven into the structure of the cloth with no long floating threads on the reverse, so the fabric is smooth on both faces. It is one of the most labour-intensive Banarasi weaves.

Where does the Tanchoi technique come from?

Tanchoi is woven in Varanasi (Banaras) and belongs to the broader Banarasi silk tradition. The technique is said to have reached Varanasi via Parsi traders who learned it from Chinese weavers in the 19th century, and the name itself is associated with that origin story. Today it is hand-loomed by master weavers in Varanasi using time-honoured techniques.

How is Tanchoi different from printed floral fabric?

On a printed fabric the pattern sits on the surface and will fade, crack, or wash out over time. In Tanchoi the floral motif is woven into the cloth itself, thread by thread, so it is integral to the fabric and does not lift or peel. The result has a depth and a subtle play of light that printing cannot replicate, which is why a Tanchoi pillow or runner reads as an heirloom textile.

What is the difference between the Tanchoi pillows and table runners?

The collection includes both Tanchoi silk cushions — square and lumbar — and silk table runners woven in the same Varanasi tradition. The cushions are designed to layer on a sofa, bed, or reading chair; the runners are sized for standard four-to-eight-seat dining tables and also work across a console or sideboard. Because each is handwoven, slight variation between pieces is expected.

What motifs are typical of Tanchoi silk?

Tanchoi is known for dense, all-over botanical patterns — flowers, vines, and birds — woven in fine detail across the silk ground. Because the supplementary weft carries the design throughout the cloth, the motifs are richly layered and continuous rather than placed, which is characteristic of the technique.

How do you care for Tanchoi silk?

Handwoven Tanchoi silk should be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned to protect the zari and the dye, and kept out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve colour. Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing. Full care instructions ship with every order, and handled with reasonable care a Tanchoi piece holds its pattern and colour for years.

Do Tanchoi pillows and runners ship free to the US and Canada?

Yes. All orders ship free to the US and Canada with all duties covered, so the listed price is the final price with no charges at delivery. Most in-stock pieces ship within 2–5 business days, and each is limited edition and hand-loomed in Varanasi — which makes Tanchoi a popular housewarming and wedding gift.

What is Tanchoi silk?

Tanchoi is a Banarasi silk-weaving technique from Varanasi, distinguished by a fine satin or twill base and a dense supplementary weft that carries the pattern. Its defining feature is that the motif — usually botanical florals or birds — is woven into the structure of the cloth with no long floating threads on the reverse, so the fabric is smooth on both faces. The technique is said to have reached Varanasi via Parsi traders who learned it from Chinese weavers in the 19th century, and it remains one of the most labour-intensive Banarasi weaves. Read more on the About page.

How is Tanchoi different from a printed floral fabric?

On a printed fabric the pattern sits on the surface and will fade, crack, or wash out over time. In Tanchoi the floral motif is built into the weave itself, thread by thread, so it is integral to the cloth and does not lift or peel. The result has a depth and a subtle play of light that printing cannot replicate, which is why a Tanchoi pillow or runner reads as an heirloom textile rather than a furnishing.

What's the difference between the pillows and the table runners?

This collection includes both Tanchoi silk cushions — square and lumbar — and silk table runners woven in the same Varanasi tradition. The cushions are designed to layer on a sofa, bed, or reading chair; the runners are sized for standard four-to-eight-seat dining tables and also work across a console or sideboard. Because each is handwoven, slight variation between pieces is expected and is the signature of genuine handloom work.

How do you care for Tanchoi silk?

Handwoven Tanchoi silk should be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned to protect the zari and the dye, and kept out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve colour. Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing. Full care instructions ship with every order, and handled with reasonable care a Tanchoi piece holds its pattern and colour for years.

Are Tanchoi pillows and runners a good gift, and do they ship free?

Tanchoi cushions and runners are among the most-given housewarming and wedding gifts because they are distinctive, useful, and rarely duplicated. All orders ship free to the US and Canada with all duties covered, and most in-stock pieces ship within 2–5 business days. To coordinate across weaves, see the Gyasar and Ikat collections or the wider silk pillows range.