Patka – Sash

22.3137

Patka – Sash

22.3137

Description

The patka or waist-sash was widely worn by men of the Indian nobility from the 16th to the 19th century. These sashes were made of fine muslin or silk brocade, but some exquisite pieces were also made of kani pashmina. Visual records from this period give ample evidence of men wearing patkas in the courts of Mughal, Rajput, and Sikh rulers, amongst others. Most patkas dated to before the middle of the 18th century have the classic format of a plain field surrounded by decorated borders and pallavs. The first modifications in patkas seem to have been introduced in the second half of the 18th century and consisted of stripes (khat-rast). This vertical patterning was most appropriate to their use as a waist-sash.The stripes could be either of equal width in alternating colours, or else a more complex sequence of broad and narrow stripes in several colours.

This patka has alternating wide and narrow stripes in repeat colours – the broad stripes are yellow and white, the narrow ones red and black. The stripes are filled with scrolling floral vines. Both ends of the pallav are made up of three large butas, each densely packed with patterned bouquets. At the foot of the large butas are patterns of small flowers that fill the space between and make their way towards the top.

Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection.

Collection

Textiles and Costumes of India

Object Type

Textile

Material

Pashmina

Schools/Culture/Period

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Technique

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Date

Late 18th Century CE

Location

Kashmir

Dimension

498 x 51.5 cm