Arts, craft and local handicrafts form one of the most integral parts of the culture of Gujarat. Visitors can also experience the local life of the residents here through their very brightly and well-made diverse range of handicrafts. For the tribes residing here, who create these works of art every day with hand these fine showcase of artistry is a source of their livelihood. Through the embroidery, patterns, color usage, and stitching patterns, people can get a deeper look and glimpse into the authentic ethnicity of the people here. From the sophisticated tie-dye fabric to the fine and skillful wooden artifacts every piece of art here resonates with the interesting culture this place holds. Gujarat in fact is extremely popular all over the world for its Zari Work i.e. a type of thread work and embroidery styles of Patola, Rabari, Soof, and Mutwa, etc. apart from this even the various painting styles have garnered the attention of international art appreciators.
The rich handicraft industry of Gujarat has a personality, feeling and a unique expression of its own that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Read more about the different types of handicrafts in Gujarat to experience this place on a deeper level:
Tie-Dye Bandhani
Bandhani is probably one of the most famous products that are created in Gujarat especially in the regions of Jamnagar and Rann of Kutch. This Bandhani style of coloring a clothing fabric is done via a tie-dye method which is admired by visitors from all over the world. Also referred to as the Bandhej cloth locally the garments are made in large scale and every piece of cloth is distinct and very different from each other. The various Bandhej Style of dye a fabric is found in 2 primary patterns namely Chokidal – pattern of squares and elephants among other animals and Kambaliya – where the pattern is created in the center of the fabric and different designs are created all along.
Beadwork
This the particular style of handicrafts which is developed in Gujarat is the style where 2 to 3 beads are combined together and make beautiful patterns on different clothing wear. This enhances the beauty of the cloth and makes it more appealing. The different ways in which the beads are used include creating Artefacts, Necklaces, Bangles, Earrings, Mangal Kalash, Nariyal, Hanging Chakla among a plethora of others. The beadwork’s nativity and authenticity can be traced easily back to the different tribal communities of Dahod, Vadodara and different regions of Panchmahals. These pieces of artwork can be taken back as souvenirs to beautify your personal space or gift it to someone while simultaneously helping out these tribes and local businesses.
Woodwork
From the moment you enter Gujarat you will be welcomed with a plethora of wooden items for sale. These beautiful specimens range from traditionally created woodwork to large wooden furniture items which are used largely by the locals as well as visitors to beautify their homes. These incredible works of art are created primarily in the regions of Surat, Kutch and the Saurashtra parts of Gujarat. Furniture made in Meenakari Style which depicts the best of Gujarat is produced in the parts of Rajkot and Sankheda. The exotic artwork is hand created and every design is engraved and delicately carved out in different styles. Wooden plaques and artifacts of Gujarat also utilize inlay works, colored wood and horns to make it more appealing in its outlook.
Zari Work
This form of art and handicrafts is the oldest form of embroidery in this westernmost state of the Indian subcontinent. According to researchers and various resources this style of embroidery had started during the colorful and artistically rich Mughal era. It is also said that the fabric of Zari was the favorite of the Mughal emperors and even the artisans used to beautifully decorate and adorn the motifs and patters through Zari which resonates wonderfully the glory of the Mughals. According to the records, the city of Surat in Gujarat is famed for being the largest Producer of sarees made out of Zari along with other things including borders, fringes, rims, and different edges. The different types of Zari work include Kamdani, Gota Work, Kinari Work, Makaish, Mina Work, and Kataoki Bel.
Hand Block Printing
Did you know that Gujarat has the oldest block printing centers in the world which are still deemed for being one of the major producers for block print patterns? To create the designs the hand block patterns include the usage of different and somber color mixtures and the creation of designs like the twinkling stars, abstract patterns, Egyptian tombs and even images of dense forests. The hand block printing tradition in Gujarat has now garnered international attention as well and people now come here exclusively to witness the creation of hand block printed fabrics. The different types of hand block prints in Gujarat include – Ajrakh printing in Kutch, Matani Pachedi, Vegetable prints from Dessa in Ahmedabad and Kutch, batik prints of Bhujpur and Mandvi Village. One can find these prints largely in different places like Kutch, Ahmedabad and Jamnagar.
Clay and Terracotta Figurines
Gujarat is the place which had served as the cradle of developing civilization centuries ago. This research has been confirmed with the study of the terracotta and clay figurines that were excavated in the regions of Lothal and Dholavira. It is needless to say that the production of the clay and terracotta figurines dates back to ages ago. These items also form the most vital parts of the potter culture in the Indian subcontinent. The clay plays an important part in the life of the Gujarati Dangi tribes since they worship the god which is made out of clay. Gujarat is famous for creating figurines and toys made of clay and fashioned into small Artefacts of cows, horses, buffaloes, bulls, etc. The clay craft of Gujarat also goes with the name of contemporary mud work which is majorly produced in the parts of Kutch district.
