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The traditional
Gujarati's have safeguarded their rich cultural heritage for
centuries, which is very well exhibited by the art and crafts
of the region. The major handicrafts works are Calico prints
by Chhipas and Bhavsars, Patola weaving by Salvis, Brocade and
Jari weaving by Khatris, Copper-smithly by Kansaras, Pottery
by Kumbhars, Carpentry by Suthars, Black-smithly by Luhars,
Gold-smithly by Sonis and Leather work by Mochis. We present
certain facets of the Handicrafts of Gujarat.
Textiles
:-
 Patola
:
The
famous Patola weaving of Patan is known for its colourful and
strikingly beautiful patterns. It is characterized by
tie-and-dye work.
Bandhej
:
The
tie-and-dye fabric of Jamnagar, Mandavi and Bhuj are famous
for their intricate designs and patterns which are used in
wedding outfits known as gharchola odhnis and also sarees.
Jari
:
The principal jari products are made of real gold and silver
threads or imitation gold and silver threads as substitutes.
The major patterns are chalak, salaiya, kangri, tikki, ring
and katori. The major manufacturing centre of Jari is Surat.
Toran :
It is a heavily decorated and embroidered decoration hung over
the entrance to homes and is considered a symbol of warm
welcome.
Wood
Carving :
Exquisite wood carvings can be
observed in the temples, havelis (mansions) and many houses in
various parts of Gujarat. The major centres of wood carvings
are Visnagar, Vadodars, Ahmedabad, Mahuva and Billimora.
Sandalwood boxes from Surat are especially sought after.
Jewellery
:
Jewellery making is an art of the
highest antiquity. The famous forms of jewellery making are
filgree work, open wire work, carving etc. Enameling is
another noteworthy artistic craft. The Silver craft of
Saurashtra and Kutch is quite well known. Mention-worthy
articles of silver are Attardani, Gulabdani, Vases, Trays,
Jewellery box, Powder boxes etc.
Lacquer
Work :
Saurashtra and Sankhed in
the Vadodara district are well known for their lacquer work.
Some of the articles of lacquer work are toys, stands, parts
of bedstands, cradles, low chairs etc. Mahuva in Bhavnagar
district and Idar in Sabarkantha district are known for the
manufacture of wooden lacquer toys.
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