Svatva | Patola Collection

Patola Collection

Our 'Patola' Collection draws from the rich tradition of Patola fabrics, which have been expertly crafted for centuries by the Salvi weavers in the town of Patan, Gujarat, for centuries.

The Salvi community's meticulous weaving technique involves strategically resist dyeing the warps and wefts before weaving them together on a handloom. The resulting fabric is a luxurious symbol of opulence and auspiciousness that has been passed down as ritual heirlooms for generations.

Master weaver Bharat Salvi finishing a Patola saree on a Saal (traditional handloom)

The gorgeous double-woven Patola silk fabric, handwoven by the talented Salvi community, has a rich history dating back over 900 years to the reign of the Solanki kings in the 12th century CE. The history of Patola fabric may not be extensively documented, but it is widely believed that the Jain Solanki King of Patan, Kumarapal, was gifted these exquisite textiles by the King of Jalna. Kumarapal's love for the fabric was so great that he wore a fresh Patola robe every day he visited the temple. However, when he discovered that one of the robes had been gifted to him after being passed on by the King of Jalna, his anger was palpable. In response, he summoned Salvi craftsmen from Maharashtra to Patan to create these fabrics exclusively for him. It is said that around 200 families from the Salvi community moved to Patan, either at the behest of Kumarapal or for the prospect of Solanki patronage. Over time, these fabrics became highly sought after in the region, and were regarded as luxurious and fortuitous, often passed down as cherished heirlooms.

An intricately woven Patola Wall piece on display at Rahul Salvi’s Patola Museum in Patan

(Above) A 19th-century Patola Geringsing (sacred cloth) from Bali, Indonesia.

(Source: ‘Patola-Design Double-Ikat Geringsing Textile, Bali’. n.d. Michael Backman Ltd.)
(Right) A Patola textile circa early 19th century from the collection of the MET Museum, New York.

The Patola fabrics, known for their exquisite beauty and intricately woven patterns, are rich in cultural significance and terminology. The weaving process is so time and labour-intensive that one Patola saree can take more than a year to be woven. Among the most popular motifs seen on these sarees are the elegant elephants, or Kuñjara, the colourful parrots, or Pōpaṭa, and the vibrant flowers, or Phūl. Geometrical Patola motifs can also be found adorning a breathtakingly carved sandstone panel at Rani ki Vav, a world-renowned stepwell and UNESCO World Heritage site located in Patan. The Patolas form an intrinsic part of the regional cultural fabric and have been immortalised in folk songs and music of Gujarat.

Patola sarees have been a symbol of ‘stree dhan’ (women's wealth) for centuries and were traditionally gifted to brides as they are believed to bring good luck. These famed fabrics were also an integral part of the textile trade with Southeast Asia under the European enterprises during the colonial regime. During the 17th and 18th centuries, these fabrics were widely exported to various Southeast Asian regions and were designed to incorporate the unique cultural motifs and sartorial traditions of their destination. The intricate and visually stunning designs on Patola sarees carry immense cultural significance, making them true masterpieces. These exquisite silk fabrics were so revered that they had become ritualised objects in several cultures. Even in Southeast Asia, these fabrics were highly regarded as auspicious and believed to ward off evil, making them a favourite among royalty and the elites. Their ritualistic importance went beyond sartorial use, and they were used in temples and burial shrouds among the local cultures of South East Asia.

Despite their cultural significance, the production and trade of Patola fabrics dwindled after India's independence, as the weavers lost royal patronage and the European enterprises shut shop, causing many weavers to abandon their craft. Owing to the high cost of production, low demand and high time investment, several of the weavers left their craft in pursuit of better opportunities for their livelihood. Today, only a few families are keeping this tradition alive, struggling to sustain their art. Since the craft of Patola is both time and labour-intensive, cheaper imitations of the fabric with chemical dyes and less detailed motifs have emerged in recent times. At present, only a handful of patrons understand the efforts and precision required to create these beautiful heirloom fabrics and support the continuation of this craft. The traditional Patola weaving craft is losing its authenticity, and it is crucial to preserve it by choosing authentic pieces that carry on the tradition of expert craftsmanship and honour the history and culture behind it.

Master weaver Rahul Savli weaving a Patola on a Saal (traditional handloom)

Svatva’s Patola Collection is a remarkable outcome of our collaboration with Rahul Salvi’s family in Patan. Their family is among the sole keepers of the authentic version of this traditional art, which is slowly fading away due to numerous challenges.

Despite facing obstacles such as high production costs, low returns, scarcity of raw materials and circulation of cheap and synthetic replicas in the market, Rahul Salvi and his family have ardently persevered in crafting Patolas in their original form. Their dedication to preserving this delicate craft is truly commendable. Rahul Salvi has established a Patola museum to educate visitors about the intricate craft of weaving Patolas and displayed similarly woven ‘ikat’ fabrics from around the world. The museum features a ‘Saal’ (loom) where demonstrations of the weaving process take place, as well as informative exhibits on the history and techniques of Patola making. Visitors can discover and appreciate the beauty of this timeless art form, and even purchase authentic double-ikat silk fabric at the museum.

The products of our ‘Patola Collection’ serve as a tribute to the craft and its makers, showcasing the intricate motifs and essence of this art form. Through our products, we aim to tell the story of this beautiful craft and the skilled artisans who bring it to life for future generations to cherish.

Buy From This Collection

To inquire about purchasing any products from our 'Patola Collection', simply click the button below to contact us.
We would be more than happy to assist you with your purchase and answer any questions you may have.

Inquire Now