HANDICRAFTS

A land so ancient, both in history and culture, cannot but have had a very rich cultural life. The crafts of Gujarat that have survived to date bear ample proof of this. Gujarat's handicrafts and textiles reflect a love for colour, an eye for detail and form and the innately artistic personality of the Gujaratis.

The state had laid its stamp on the textile market with its excellent quality and varied designs, both traditional and modern. Its textiles have been acclaimed all over the world. The rogan and zari prints, and tie ‘n’ dye has a standing that cannot be easily matched. The superb example of fine weaving is the exquisite silk saris from Patan, the `patola'. What distinguishes the patola is the tie and weaves method wherein the yarn is dyed in bright colours and intricate designs worked out before being woven. Today, only a few skilled weavers remain to make the patola saris. The more elaboarte ones may take a weaver a whole year to complete. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that they have fabulous price tags, but then it is a collector's item.

The history of the zari (gold embroidery) industry of Surat dates back to the Mughal period. Even today Surat remains one of the biggest and most significant zari manufacturing centres of India. The principal types of products are zari threads in gold and silver, embridery for decorative borders, shoe uppers, evening bags and accessories. Gold and silver threads are commonly used for weaving the kinkhab. Another speciality from Surat is tanchhoi, or silk brocade, which is like a woven silk tapestry.

The tye ‘n’ dye of Jamnagar is also very popular. Traditional motifs in bandhani work in silk and cotton is the house style here.

Another Gujarati art is hand painted cloth fashioned to make bedspreads, wall hangings, table cloths etc. in vibrant shades of red, black, maroon and ochre. The motifs used are mostly mythological. Pleasant embroidery consists of motifs in bright silk threads interspersed with micro mirrors. These aribharat embroideries with geometrical or animal motifs make very good wall hangings, cushion covers, skirts, borders and belts. Typical market selling these wears has come up at Law Garden in Ahmedabad. It is held in the evening and goes on till late night. Visitors throng this market in search of best buy (bargain rec. for right price).

The colourful costumes of the Rabaris, a pastoral community, can be turned into Gypsy styled ghaghras or full-length skirts, blouses and waistcoats.

The agate stone found in the riverbed in Jaghadia and Kachchh are heated, polished and chiseled into various shapes and sizes. The same stone from Khambhat is being fashioned into various artifacts like paperweights, ashtrays, jewellery boxes and even jewellery like pendant or a pair of cuff-links.

Ivory and rosewood inlay is used to fashion souvenirs like nut-crackers, paperknives, handles for walking sticks etc. The colourful rugs of Kachchh, half-wool half-felt, called namdas, are worth a buy.

Brass covered wooden chests or pataras from Bhavnagar and Mahuva come in various sizes. Inset with mirror work, they come handy as jewel boxes, or even toilet cases. Another craft from Mahuva is lacquered toys. Lacquer work furniture from Sankheda and Saurashtra is very colourful and attractive. It comes in bright shades of red, maroon and ochre and makes very good bedsteads, coffee tables, low chairs, swings, divans and wide range of furniture. Though it looks delicate Sankheda furniture have astonishingly long life.

The vaghari Harijans of Ahmedabad are known for the temple curtains they produce. Prepared in the old process, they mostly depict the Mother Goddess, Durga riding a tiger, and also other Gods and Goddesses and illustration referring to Puranic legends. Silverware from Saurashtra and Kachchh is mostly in the shape of attardanis, gulabdanis (vases), trays, jewellery boxes, ash trays etc. with deeply embossed designs on almost pure silver.

And curio hunters will find Gujarat a heaven for exquisite wooden carvings from old homes-or their copies-some fashioned into contemporary art objects or unusual furniture.