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Patola Sari
18th century CE
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Mumbai, India
In this sari the weaver has chosen the motifs known as popat-kunjar (parrot and elephant). Parrots, elephants and floral sprays are arranged inside each diamond-pattern of the ground. The pallu and the border have geometrical and floral motifs. The designs are in green, yellow and white.
Patola has a special significance in Gujarat. It is a sari for auspicious occasions and hence mostly done in red with auspicious symbols such as the white elephant, a mango twig, a young woman and a parrot, to augur peace and prosperity. If affordable, it is one of the important items of the bridal trousseau.
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Details
- Title: Patola Sari
- Date Created: 18th century CE
- Location: India
- Type: Sari
- Medium: Silk, Patola
- Region: Patola, Patan, Gujarat
- History of Style of Technique: Patola, the traditional double ikat fabric of Gujarat and a masterpiece of conventional Indian dyeing and weaving technique, is considered to be a contribution of the Indian weavers to the world of textile. It is a general belief that the intricate technique of ikat dyeing and weaving originated as far back as the 5th century CE and evolved into a refined industry by the 11th century CE when it really came into its own, surviving till today. The paintings on the walls of some of the South Indian temples show Patola designs. There was a common belief in South-east Asia, where ikat was very popular, that Patola and other ikat had magical qualities. Therefore, people used them in religious rituals and ceremonial rites. Ikat was so highly valued that local traders preferred this to gold in exchange for their precious spices. Ikat patterns are produced by the process of yarn dyeing, both the warp and the weft and subsequently, weaving it together in such a way that the dyed areas of fibres come together accurately to form the desired designs. The weaving is executed on a simple horizontal loom without treadles. The designs mainly consist of geometrical patterns, human and animal figures in red, yellow, green, and white. Besides Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh also manufacture ikat works.
- Dimensions: 375 x 138 cms
- Accession Number: 55.55
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