Handicrafts of Gujarat

1 – Beadwork

Beadwork, an art or craft form of Gujarat is created by joining 2-3 beads together. Gujarat is the centre for Bead Craft, also known as Moti Bharat, across India. Bead craft is the art of making household decorative items like chaklas, Indhonis, Mangalkalash&nariyal and torans and jewellery like necklaces, bangles, earrings etc. Motifs and patterns are dictated by the technique of putting two or three beads together.

This art has originated from Saurashtra region, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Junagadh districts and it is also practiced in Ahmedabad. Tribal artisans of Panchmahal and Vadodara districts are also making traditional bead jewellery, ornaments when worked around solid objects such as coconuts and pot-rests it takes a breath taking three dimensional forms. Bead craft is used for making home décor items. It is also popular in the tribals of Dahod, Vadodara and Panchmahals.

2 – Patola

Patola, a double ikat (dyeing technique used to pattern textiles) woven saree made of silk, is one of the finest hand-woven saree produced in Gujarat. In this unique tie-dye technique, one can see identical patterns on both the sides of the fabric. There are primarily four patterns of Patolasaree and all are created in Gujarat by the Salvi community.

3 – Woodwork

From small handicrafts to furniture, in Gujarat one can see some of the best specimens of traditional wood work. Woodwork and furniture from Surat, Kutchh and Saurashtra; Minakari furniture from Rajkot and Sankheda furniture are simply the best. In Gujarat, one can find hand-carved exotic wood furniture of every style. Even inlay work using coloured wood, horns and even commercially viable options like plastic are used in artifacts, wooden plaques.

4 – Zari

Zari is an even thread traditionally made of fine gold or silver used in traditional Indian, Pakistani and Persian garments and other materials such as curtains, etc. Zari is woven into fabrics, primarily made of silk, felt or velvet to create intricate patterns. The thread is also used as a raw material for Zardozi embroidery, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful embroidery styles of India. It is used extensively in clothing and home decoration. Four types of zari are produced in India, namely, real zari, semi real zari, imitation zari and plastic zari.

Real zari is made of silver and electroplated with gold, whereas Semi real zari has a composition of copper coated with silver and gold electroplating. Imitation Zari is made of copper electroplated with silver. Plastic zari, is manufactured using metallic yarn. Other materials used for making zari include cotton yarn, silk and art silk. Real zari is used in costly product; however, its use is limited compared to imitation and plastic

5 – Hand Block Printing

Gujarat, the oldest block printing centre in the world, is still the major producer of block prints. Twinkling stars in the clear sky, Egyptian tombs, patterns of abstracts and dense forest with beautiful colour combination are amongst the known block printing patterns.

Following types of hand block prints are famous in Gujarat:

Ajarakh printing of Dhamadka and Ajarakhpur in Kutch

Matani-Pachedi or Kalamkari of Gujarat

Vegetable ‘prints from Dessa, Ahmedabad and Kutch

‘Batik’ prints from Bhujpur, Mundra and Mandvi villages of Kutch ‘Saudagiri’ Prints from Ahmedabad

Where to Find: Kutch, Ahmedabad, and Jamnagar

6 – Embroidery Work

AARI embroidary with silk threads using a hook is a popular craft of Kutchch, Gujarat .Motifs – dancing peacocks, human figures in dancing postures.Gujarat is world renowned for its enormous variety of embroideries. Most of these were traditionally stitched by rural communities, especially women. Embroideries from Gujarat are perfect in distribution of colors, which flows from one color to another. The rich embroideries like ‘Ari’ and ‘soof’ from Banaskantha, ‘Kathipa’ , ‘Mahajan’ , Kanbi’ , ‘Rabari’ embroideries from Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh regions of Saurashtra and ‘Ahir’ , ‘Mutwa’ , ‘Soof’ , ‘Neran’ , ‘Kharek’ embroideries from Kutch district are famous. In Gujarat, women not only embroider their cholis and ghaghras but also items for decorating their houses such as chaklas, Wall Hangings, Toran, Pillow Covers, Cushion Cover etc.

Following types of embroidery work are famous in Gujarat:

‘Ari’ and ‘soof’ embroideries from Banaskantha

‘Kathipa’ , ‘Mahajan’ , Kanbi’ , ‘Rabari’ embroideries from Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh regions of Saurashtra

‘Banni or Heer Bharat’, ‘Ahir’ , ‘Mutwa’ , ‘Soof’ , ‘Neran’ , ‘Kharek’, ‘Kutch or Aribharat’ embroideries from Kutch

Clay and Teracotta Work Gujarat

7 – Clay and Teracotta Work

Figures and toys made of clay and terracotta are an essential part of Indian pottery. Gujarati Dangi tribes pray and worship their own clay god. Clay figures and toys like horses, cows, bulls, and buffaloes are like the watermark of Gujarati art style. Contemporary Mud work is the other name given to the clay craft of Gujarat.

8 – Leather Work

Tourists who are on a shopping spree to Gujarat shouldn’t forget to purchase the vulnerable leather products. In Gujarat, one can find excellent items made of leather like mirror frames, batwa, frames, mojdi, cushion covers, bags and purses. All the leather products in Gujarat are embellished with embroidery, bright tassels and mirror work. Leather objects are mostly made by the people of Meghwal community.

9 – Applique and Patch work

Applique is one of the oldest and unique forms of Gujarat’s craft that is created by different patches and patterns. Multiple patterns together create a jigsaw that makes the fabric look more attractive and vibrant. One can see this graceful form of art quilts, wall hangings, household products and apparels. Patchwork in vivid colors, using scrap and waste material is done by Bharwad women to make items such as quilts, awnings, and camel saddle cover.

10 – Tangaliya Work

Tangaliya is 700 hand woven textile craft found only in the Surendranagar region of Gujarat. The pattern is used for preparing shawls, dupatta, dress material and products of Home décor & accessories.

11.Dhurries work

Dhurries, carpets, blankets and rugs are still woven on primitive pit looms in the villages of Kutch. The artisans weave the designs with their hands and work on the machines operated by foot pedals. These carpets are known for their beautiful patterns, contrasting color schemes and intricate weaving. The durries available here are made from wool, goat hair and cotton. As a result, handloom weaving is an important occupation in villages, situated on the Ahmedabad – Bhavnagar highway.

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