Gujarat - Craft Documentation | Research Archive Handicrafts & Handloom

Lacquer Wood, Nirona- Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:13:09 +0000

The lacquered wooden products crafted in Nirona village have a unique kaleidoscopic appeal. Artisans create a variety of functional wooden products using simple lathe tools, demonstrating not only their talent and creativity but also their dedication to preserving age-old techniques. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, lacquered wooden products play a vital role in the economic sustainability of artisans’ families, serving as a crucial source of income. Moreover, the allure of these unique creations attracts tourists and art enthusiasts, fostering cultural exchange and generating economic benefits for the community.

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Kharad weaving, Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:05:46 +0000

The durrie, a timeless symbol ingrained in the tapestry of Indian culture, carries with it an 800-year-old legacy of Kharaad / Kharad weaving. This tradition, rooted in the era of ancient palaces, camel herders, and nomadic wanderers, has stood the test of time. The inspiration for this craft can be traced back to the utilitarian accessories of camels and animals, where nomadic communities began adorning their creatures with both functional and artistic purpose. The threads of this ancient tradition weave a story that echoes through centuries, connecting us to a rich heritage that celebrates both craftsmanship and the harmonious coexistence of art and daily life.

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Ashavali Brocade, Ahmedabad

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:44:55 +0000

Ashawali Brocade, woven in silk and hailing from the heart of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, carries with it a name that echoes through the corridors of time, tracing its origins back thousands of years. The very essence of its name, Ashawali, finds its roots in the history of a bygone era, under the reign of King Ashapalli. According to historical documents, Karna (r. c. 1064–1092 CE), a monarch from the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty in Gujarat, is lauded for his triumph over a Bhil chief from Ashapalli. This victory marked the establishment of Karnavati city, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the region

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Pottery ~ Khavda, Kutch

info_admin — Thu, 18 May 2023 09:54:38 +0000

Pottery is a form of art that shapes and dries clay to form a particular shape for the purpose of daily use, play or decoration. It has existed in India for over 5000 years, since the Mesolithic Age. Every region in the country has a different style of pottery, complete with its distinct designs. One such style is called painted pottery, which has been renamed ‘Khavda pottery’, as a nod to the region it originated from. Khavda pottery artisans still use the same designs passed down from generations and found in Indus valley excavations. The potters from the region are currently fighting to keep their unique handicraft alive.

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Sankheda Craft

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:48:34 +0000

The sturdy pieces of furniture which are equivalent to vibrant and exquisite pieces of art designed at the Sankheda town by artisans belonging to the Kharadi community. Sankheda is derived from the Gujarati word ‘sanghedu’, which refers to lathe or the machine used to turn wood. These are internationally renowed for their grand, hand-painted motifs on shiny lacquered turned teakwood.

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Batik Printing ~ Mundra

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:34:34 +0000

Batik printing is a form of textile art wherein a piece cloth is decorated by covering it with a coat of wax and then dyeing it. The word ‘Batik’ means ‘wax writing’ and its journey through the ages proves that it is more than just a handicraft. In the small village of Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat, the art Batik printing has been handed down through generations and is still a main source of income for the people living here. These Batik prints feature a three-dimensional look with traditionally inspired motifs representing various folk scenes and deities, nature elements such as birds, flowers, bees, leaves, and several other more complex geometrical designs. These prints give the impression of a kaleidoscopic dream as they imbibe the colours of the universe and patterns of nature.

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Bandhani~Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:56:26 +0000

Dotted with a thousand tiny specks, possessing a fine crinkled texture and dyed in rich vibrant colours, ‘Bandhani’ or ‘tie and dye’ of Gujarat draws immense admiration and attention alike. This stunning piece of art is a legacy of the Gujarat Textiles industry and showcases their brilliant craftsmanship through intricate designs. The craft takes its name from ‘Bandhan’, the Sanskrit word for ‘tying’ and refers to both the technique as well as the end product. It is created by a tedious process of pinching, tying and resist dying the fabric.

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Patola~Surendranagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:32:50 +0000

Patola is possibly derived from the Sanskrit word “Pattakula-, meaning a silk fabric. It is a legendary heritage of Indian textiles from North Gujarat. A single ikat silk fabric in which, the weft threads are dyed into a complicated pattern, belongs to one of the most complex textile-weaving techniques in the world and highly priced […]

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Silver Jewelry~Bhuj

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 07:00:01 +0000

A display of superior craft skill, the silver jewelry of Kutch is more than just ornamentation. They serve as markers used to differentiate various tribes of the region. Their simplified forms and elaborate textures employ techniques of high precision. Each piece of jewelry has a definitive purpose and is worn as per the age, handed down by the ancestors as heirloom wealth.

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Dhadki~Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 08:24:42 +0000

In the Kutchi language the word ‘Dhadki’ means ‘pieced together’. These are cover-ups or quilts handcrafted by women in Kutch by stitching together the pieces of old fabrics acquired over time. Continuous stitches and contrasting colors are the characteristic property of Dhadkis. These are an integral part of the Kutchi way of life.

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