Gujarat Arts & Crafts | Gift Box (L)
Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring true and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again. Stretched out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich.
Gujarat has always been a major centre for the Jains and some of its most interesting locations are the Jain Temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills. Besides the Jain temples, the state’s major attractions include the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions in India (Gir Forests), a desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the beautiful Indo-Saracenic Architecture of Ahmedabad.
We are happy to present a few products from some of these crafts – that are UNIQUE, represent TRADITION, give JOY & will be HEIRLOOMS! A collection of crafts from the Kutch region of Gujarat.
- Handmade Ajrakh Stole – HandBlock Printing Textile
Ajrakh traces its roots back to 16th century ancestors who came to India from Sindh, bringing with the craft of Ajrakh printing with them. The popular story amongst local printers is that Ajrakh means “aaj rakh” i.e “keep it today”. Ajrakh textile is made by the craftspeople from the Khatri community. There are between 14-16 different stages of dyeing & printing, which take 14-21 days to complete. The resulting cloth is soft against the skin and jewel-like in appearance, pleasing to touch & appealing to the eye.
- Handmade Leather Wallet – Leather craft
The indigenous community of Meghwals are prime producers of leather work in the Kutch district of Gujarat. This is one of those timeless crafts which have grown to combine traditional methods of design with modern functionalities. The craft is used to make beautiful bags and shoes with colourful tassels and embellishments. The leather is carved into the shape and then chiseled and is given a polished surface. The different parts are then stitched together and the final product is then colored.
- Metal Bell With Leather - Work Hanger – Copper Craft of metal bells - Lohar Ke Kaam- “Ghantadi”
The Bell Making craft is believed to be over a thousand years old. These bells were used to identify cattle. Bell making is a wonderful sustainable craft as the raw material is metal scrap which is purchased from junk yards and the only use of energy is in the furnace for making them.
- Handcrafted Reha Knife – Knife Work
Reha knives from Kutch, Gujarat are famous all over the world as they are hand-made using the traditional process. The Lohar community in the clusters of Reha and Anjar in Kutch region has been making swords and knives for kings. Their craft is over 900 years old. This knife is sturdy with solid metal handles to improve durability and sharp for daily use. Reha from Gujarat is known as the first place in India where they started handcrafting knives for kitchen purposes!
- Traditional Jat Hand Embroidered Patch (4-5 Inches) Wall Frame
This hand embroidered art frame is made with exquisite Daneta Jat embroidery of Kutch, done on cotton fabric with art silk threads. Jats are very conscious of their identity as a group. Daneta Jat's embroidery is exquisite labour-intensive embroidery. The power of Jat embroidery comes largely from the closely stitched patterns that completely cover the cloth.
NOTE
While all efforts will be made to match the colour and design of the Ajrakh Stole & Jat Hand Embroidery Frame, the actual colour and design availability may be different based on availability at the time of the order. However, the products will be close to the ethos and from the craft of the published photograph
