A Rs 40-lakh silk saree, intricately woven with 12 precious stones and metals and replicating 11 famous paintings of Raja Ravi Verma, will seek an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most expensive saree.

The Rs 40-lakh saree, manufactured by handloom weavers of the city-based textile house The Chennai Silks, replicates Ravi Verma's much-acclaimed painting Lady Musicians that features women from various cultural backgrounds.

The saree's border features another 10 paintings of Ravi Verma in a tribute to the renowned 20th century artist. Jewels made of gold, diamond, platinum, silver, ruby, emerald, yellow sapphire, sapphire, cat's eye, topaz, pearl and coral were integrated to adorn the women featured in the paintings, using an intricate hand-woven process.

The shop director, Chandran, said it took 4,680 man hours for a team of highly skilled weavers to complete the work, using a double warp.

He claimed it was the first silk saree manufactured using 7,440 jacquard hooks (which are instrumental in weaving a design) and 66,794 cards (which are punched to create a specific design using CAD software.) "The saree, which had entered the Limca Book of Records, will be a unique drape for a bride," he added.