Arts and Crafts

One of the oldest states in India Gujarat represents Indian culture at its best. Gujarat is blessed with a rich cultural and traditional past. The state boasts of an age old glorious cultural that has managed to survive till date. The art and crafts of Gujarat are unique to the state and are popular not only within the Indian subcontinent but all across the globe. Most of the artisans in the state are usually villagers who initially created these masterpieces of art and craft for their households which later on only turned out to become a major industry of the state. The art and crafts industry of Gujarat offers a number of jewelry, metalwork, embroidery, furniture, clay items, handmade durries (carpets), stone crafts and other materials. The brass industry of Jamnagar is one of the largest in India.

Below is a list of the important art and crafts of Gujarat

Brass and Iron Items

Gujarat is one of the major producers of Brass and Iron items in the country. Mostly produced in the princely state of Saurashtra and Kutch brass and iron the most common items available here are copper coated iron bells, beetle nut crackers and cutlery knives. These magnificent works of art are created by the descendents of the erstwhile court jewelers and sword smiths. The place is also popular for its range of Brass items which include brass and iron utensils, cutlery, knives and scissors.

Clay Items

The art of Pottery is among the oldest and most appreciated art and crafts of Gujarat. The artisans who are generally ordinary rural locals are masters of the art of molding clay into well proportioned utensils. After the creation of these utensils they are painted with vibrant colors that add to the beauty of the pot. The artisist of Kutch are renowned worldwide not only for their pottery but also for their variety of Terracotta toys.

Embroidery

Embroidery and textiles is one of the most booming industries of Gujarat. Embroidery in Gujarat in is mostly practiced by women who live in villages. There are a variety of embroidery to choose from, like Rabari embroidery, Bavalia embroidery and Banni embroidery. The state also takes pride in producing gold embroidery that is usually done to enhance the look of fabrics meant for weddings etc.

Dhurries

Most of the villages in Gujarat are famous for weaving some of the finest carpets, blankets and rugs. Woven on the primitive pit looms that is unique to the villages of Kutch these dhurries are in great demand all across the globe. These dhurries involve a lot of hard work as they are made by hand. The carpets and rugs are known for their beautiful designs, colors schemes and intricate weaving.

Last Updated on : 30 September 2011