Zardozi embroidery has been in existence in India from the time of the Rig Veda. Timeless embroidery hand crafted authentically by the artisans, the word zardozi is a combination of two urdu words ‘zar’ means gold and ‘doz’ means hand-work/sewing or embroidery; zardozi is an embroidery done with a gold thread. This beautiful metal thread […]
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Wood carving is one of the ancient methods of expression. Idols for worship, decorating architectural elements, ritual objects like masks or totem poles, toys etc. were skillfully crafted using wood. Being a material once abundantly available, it found various forms and usages, transformed in the hands of the craftsmen.
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Pichwais are religious cloth paintings that are hung behind the idols in the shrines of Lord Shrinathji at Nathdwara and other temples of Pushti Marga sect. It is an art form that pays tribute to the seven-year-old Lord Krishna, ‘Pichwai’ is a pathway to grace and spirituality. As, these paintings are made on large cloths […]
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Some prints are so intricate, that they seem like they are hand drawn with a fine brush, but are actually color impressions of pieces of wood, deftly carved by expert craftsmen. Like the beat of gentle drums these blocks are carved by repetitive thumping of hammers over seasoned wood, creating patterns, geometrical and floral, gently.
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Egyptians weren’t the only people to propose that death is but an extension of life. Memorial stone carving locally known as ‘Gatha’, ‘Gatla’, ‘Smriti Stambha’ or ‘Mandos’ is a popular practice amongst the tribes of Gujarat, Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh. These visual epitaphs are created when there is an unnatural or sudden death of […]
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The craft of basket making is commonly known as ‘Tokri Bunna’ in India. Evolved to make containers for nomads to carry food and collectables, the craft is an ancient one, only after pottery. These baskets are made of grass and take new shapes every mile.
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‘Bhujodi’ weaving is a craft that takes its name from ‘Bhujodi’, a small village in ‘Kutch’ where this craft is practiced. This village of weavers is famous for its exquisitely woven traditional textiles of ‘Kutchi’ shawls, traditional blankets and stoles.
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Mata Ni Pachedi is a handmade textile of Gujarat meant to be an offering in the temple shrines which house the Mother Goddess. The name is derived from the Gujarati words ‘Mata’ meaning ‘mother goddess’, ‘Ni’ meaning ‘belonging to’ and ‘Pachedi’ meaning ‘back’. The goddess forms the central figure in the design, flanked by other […]
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Colour permeates every single activity in an Indian’s life, more so in our villages. Colour pervades not just the gorgeous clothes of the people but even the small, nondescript items of everyday use. Spoons and ladles, chakla -“ belan (board and rolling pin), toys, stools, danDiya sticks, everything is covered with patterns and merging strips […]
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This art of creating life like animal statues from leather is practiced in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Craftsmen and their families practice this craft to create miniature to life size versions of all types of animals, from horses, cows and elephants, to lions, tigers and rhinos of the jungle, to exotic creatures of the wild, like […]
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