The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 10, 2026

A horizontally long woven textile features four large black elephants marching right across a deep red field. Each carries riders within rectangular structures, surrounded by stylized lions, birds, and figures. Intricate cream and black geometric motifs ornament the central panel, framed by wide red stripes at the top and bottom. Vertical bands of geometric designs finish each side, with small repeating patterns interspersed throughout the rich red background.

Patolu

19th century

India, Gujarat, 19th century

tabby weave, double ikat; silk and cotton
Overall: 475 x 120 cm (187 x 47 1/4 in.)
Gift of The Textile Art Alliance 1990.92
Location: Not on view
  • Wardwell, Anne E. "Notable Acquisitions." The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 78, no. 3 (1991): 63-147. Reproduced and Mentioned: p. 119 www.jstor.org
  • Resist Dyed Textiles from India, Indonesia and Cambodia. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (June 22, 1993-March 27, 1995).
    Notable Acquisitions. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (June 7-September 15, 1991).
  • {{cite web|title=Patolu|url=false|author=|year=19th century|access-date=10 September 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1990.92