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Patan
Shopping
Patan
is the only center of unique weaving craft of 'Patola' since the
time of King Kumarpal (ruled 1143-73 AD). Even today, a few families
practice this age-old traditional weaving craft.
Patola sarees of Patan are one of the finest hand-made textiles
in the world. It combines the art of tying and dyeing of the warp
and weft threads and their weaving together, when each warp thread
is carefully placed against the corresponding colors of the weft.
Also known as the double Ikat, it is woven only in Bali, Indonesia
besides Patan.
In an area called Sadvi Wada, one can watch the complex weaving
of silk Patola saris, which are now made by just one family. Each
sari takes from four to six months to produce, and is sold for up
to Rs.70, 000 (more than US$ 2,000). Silk threads are dyed in a
set pattern before being woven on a complex loom and utmost care
is taken to ensure completely even tension throughout the fabric.
Patan produces very intricate patterns worked with precision and
clarity with the characteristic geometric delineation of the design,
while maintaining the soft hazy outlines, a natural effect of the
technique.
The
small Tibetan population living here has set up a number of shrines
and stupas as well as several souvenir shops offering authentic
Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer wheels of wood, ivory, silver
or bronze, long temple horns made of beaten copper, belt buckles,
miniature thunderbolts and jewelry. In this area, one can also see
the Tibetans weaving carpets by hand.
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Information on shopping in Patan city of Gujarat - India
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