Technically speaking, Patola sarees are hand-woven silk sarees originally made in PATAN, GUJARAT. Patola is called THE QUEEN OF SILK owing to its exquisite prints and intricate weaves. Patolas are double ikat sarees created by meticulously by skilled artisans and an original one could take anywhere between 3-6 months to weave. The result is a gorgeously handwoven and painted saree with motifs and patterns inspired from animals and other elements of nature.
THE HISTORY
The art of Ikat which is integral to Patola has been popular in many countries across the world, especially in South East Asia and Central Asia. It is said to have originated in the 12th century but some sources say it finds a mention in the Ramayana as well. Thus there have been many variations in the technique of Ikat, but Patola is counted among the most exquisite. Every traditional Patan patola saree is considered to a masterpiece and an extension of its weavers' imagination. It uses flaming colors and is considered sacred in a lot of cultures.
The Patan Patola was for long the choice of aristocracy and kings since its highly expensive. For centuries, the art has been in the hands of the SALVI family in Gujarat and they produce bespoke Patola silk sarees on demand only for royalty.
THE PROCESS
The weaving is done on simple traditional handlooms. Each fabric consists of a series of warp threads and a single weft thread, which binds the warp threads together. Each one of the warp threads is tied and dyed according to the pattern of the saree, such that the knotted portions of the thread do not catch the colours.
The weavers make use of natural dyes like catechu, cochineal, indigo, turmeric, natural lakh, harde, madder roots, manjistha, ratnajyot, katha, kesudo, pomegranate skin, henna, marigold flower, etc in the colouring process. Alum, copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate, tin chloride, potassium dichromate and other mordents are also used, the result of which is vibrant colours dominated by patterns of bright red, dark green and yellow.
TYPES OF PATOLA SAREES
While the Rajkot Patola variety are single Ikkat and vertically resist dyed, the Patan variety is double ikkat pattern and horizontally resist dyed. The Patan Patola is very very intricate and takes a lot of skill and precision as both sides of the saree have the same design and can be draped in either way. This makes a unique combination of art silk sarees and printed silk sarees. Patola sarees are also woven in states other than Gujarat such as- Orissa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Each state of course produces different variations of the saree.
PATOLA SAREES AND FESTIVITIES
The Patola saree itself marks festivities and celebrations. Owing to its stunning designs and bright colors, it is flaunted by women on important festivals, weddings and pujas. With so many festivities such as the Ganesha Chaturthi and Navratris just around the corner, PATOLA SAREES are an ideal choice to make the celebrations even better. Modern day geometrical designs have attracted the wearers that gained momentum from the age-old traditional Muslim architectural designs.
Some Gujrati Patola sarees are enriched with Kundan and Zardosi sequins for special occasions. The typical feature of the patola fabric is the brocade like heavy texture. The pallus or anchals are made extra elaborate with dazzling borders, warm colors and rich motifs. You can drape them in different styles according to your occasion and comfort.
Well now that you know so much about THE PATOLA SILK, we bring you some of the most best Patola sarees online that you should totally shop this festive season only at PEACHMODE.
