|

Zari
Surat in Gujarat is one of the oldest and the largest producers of zari. It is one of the major centres for the production of both gold and silver zari. This zari is utilized in making decorative borders, shoes, evening bags and many other items.
Crotchet
Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat is one of the oldest centres for crotchet lace work, which is done by the women of the Vohra community. These women make several crotchet items for household use. These items are usually made in black, brown and white colors.
The art of �Gudri�
Women in most of the villages in Gujarat are well versed in the art of Gudri. Several layers of cloth are stitched together by hand. Running stitches are used. The finished pieces can be used as mats to sit on or as blankets.
Mashru
Gujarat is also famous for its �Mashru� fabric, which is a blend of silk and cotton. It is weaved in such a way that the cotton comes in contact with the skin while the silk remains on the surface. This fabric was initially used by Muslims, who were not allowed to wear pure silk. Mashru is produced in many places in India, but Mashru from Gujarat has bold patterns and colors which lend it a certain uniqueness. In today�s times, however, this fabric has been replaced by cheap quality products that look similar.
Prints of Gujarat
Certain printing techniques of Gujarat are very famous. One of them is the �Ajrakh� technique, which is undertaken by the Khatri community of Gujarat. Other well-known printing techniques of Gujarat are the �Sodagiri� prints of Paithapur and the �Mata Ni Pachedi� prints produced by the Vaghri community priests as a mark of reverence to their goddess. �Rogan� is a technique of printing undertaken in some villages of Kutchh. In this technique, printing is done by using thick, bright-colored pastes and spreading them on fabric by using the fingers. Fabric printed using Rogan technique is generally used for making tablecloths, curtains and borders for skirts. However, this art is on the verge of becoming extinct.
Embroidery styles of Gujarat
There are several embroidery techniques of Gujarat that are very famous. Different communities in Gujarat have their own distinct style of embroidery. The Mochi community in Gujarat specializes in chain-stitch embroidery on leather and they make attractive embroidered leather shoes. These shoes are very much in demand in the modern fashion world. Animals as well as Persian and Mughal motifs feature prominently in their embroidery. The Ahir and Rabari communities specialize in embroidery using vibrantly colored threads and mirrors on black fabric and other dark-colored surfaces.
The Kathi community of Saurashtra specializes in a form of embroidery which is popularly known as �Kathi embroidery�. Another form of embroidery commonly done by the Mochi community is bead work. The Jats of Kutchh use beads, mirrors and colorful threads to create beautiful designs on fabric. This type of embroidery is popularly known as �Heer Bharat�. The women of the Lohana community in Banni have their own unique style of embroidery. The Mutwa community living in Banni has perfected almost all the styles of embroidery. These forms of embroidery have been passed on from generation to generation. The girls in these communities are taught embroidery at a very early age by their mothers and usually, they embroider their own wedding dresses. Several villages of Gujarat excel in producing beautiful, embroidered shawls.
|