Handicrafts
The traditional Gujarati's have safe guarded their
rich cultural heritage for centuries, which is very well
exhibited by the art and craft of the region. The major
handicraft works re Calico prints by Chhipas and Bhavsars,
Patola weaving by Salvis, Brocade and Jari
weaving by Khatris, Copper-smithly by Kansaras,
Pottery by Kumbharas, Carpentry by Suthars, Black-smithly
by Luthars, Gold-smithly by Sonis and leather work
by Mochis.
Textiles
Patola The
famous Patola weaving of Patan is known for its colorful
geometrical pattern which re strikingly beautiful. The unique
tie and weave method of Patola results in identical
patterns on the both the sides of the fabric.
Bandhej (tie and dye fabric) of Jamnagar, Mandvi
and Bhuj are famous for their intricate designs and patterns
which are used in wedding outfits called as gharchola odhni
and sarees.
The other well known prints
are ajrakhs prints of Kutch region and the sodagiri
prints of Paithapur.
Matani - Pachedi prints are made in honor of goddess Durga
by the vahgari community priests.
Jari Surat is one of the biggest and the most
important Jari manufacturing centre of India. It is one of the
oldest industries, which dates back to the Mughal period. The
principal types of products are made of real gold and silver
threads or imitation gold and silver threads. The major embroidery
patterns are chalak, salaiya, kangri, tikki,
ring and katori.
Mashru It is a fabric woven with a combination of
silk and cotton. Mashru is well known for its bold patterns and
colours.
Toran It is heavily decorated and embroidered
decoration hung over the entrance and is considered a symbol of
warm welcome.
Jewellery
Jewellery making is the art of
highest anituity, the famous among these are filgree work, open
wire work. carving etc. Wnamelling is another noteworthy
artistic craft. Kutch region is renowned for its necklaces,
ear-rings etc.
Lacquer
Work
Saurashtra and Sanked in the Vadodara district are
also known for their lacquer work. Toys, stands, parts of
bedstead, cradles, cradles, low chairs are some of the important
items of lacquer work. Ivory is mostly used in inlay work and
preparation of artistic bangles.
Mahuva in Bhavnagar district and Idar in Sabarkantha district
are known for the manufacturing of wooden lacquer toys.
Beads stones are prepared from Agate, a semi-precious stone
mostly in Cambay region for ear rings, necklace and other
ornamental articles. Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh adn
other places are also known for bead work.
Wood
Carving
Exquisite wood carvings can be observed in the
temples, havelis and many houses in various parts of Gujarat.
The major centres of wood carvings are Visnagar, Vadodara,
Ahmedabad, Mahuva, and Bilimora. Sandalwood boxex from Surat are
very popular.
Temple
Curtain
The temple curtain work is a specially of some
Vaghari Harijan families of Ahmedabad. Its is prepared in the
old madder process and depicts the Goddes Durga riding tiger a
well as other illustrations from Puranic legends.
