SHORT DESCRIPTION-NEEDLEWORK

Gujarat is a state which is well known of the rich cultural and traditional heritage bestowed among the natives and honed over the decades with grace. The wide array of needlework in Gujarat is very famous.  

Traditional Heritage

Gujarat is the centre of Needlework of all varieties. Initially the needlework involved weaving patterns in various thread colours, but gradually with the onset of traditional weaving designs the needlework patterns became famous across the globe. Usually the different communities have different styles of needlework.  

Traditionally needlework involved sewing patterns of floral designs embossed on the fabric. This was done by the women but with the advent of handicraft men also learned the techniques of the art work.  

Cultural and Other Properties

Needlework as per the terminology is weaving pattern which is done using a needle. There are several weaving patterns with every style endorsing a unique style and character. Some of the prominent needlework is embroidery, appliqué, Needle lace, crochet, knitting, tatting, lucet, braiding and tapestry.

The needlework has achieved immense following over the years. The tools used for the work are mostly the same the variation lies with the art in the patterns.

Needle Lace Work

Needle lace work is a brilliant needle work which involves the weaving of a lace by stitching hundreds of stitches together to give it the look of a lace. The needlework is prominent on net fabric and is used on almost all fabric materials.

Crochet

Crotchet is a needlework which is famous for the intricate patterns formed by pulling loops through other loops in turn to give it a stunning and graceful look. The hooks can be made out of metals fabric and other threads.

Knitting

Knitting pattern uses threads to make a cloth out of it in patterns. It comprises of consecutive loops which are called stitches. The stitches are woven repeatedly with one loop on another until the fabric is formed. This method of needlework is widely used.

Tatting

Tatting is the type of needlework which involves the handicraft work of weaving a lace out of stitches and loops. The lace is formed by weaving patterns and rings in double stitches and a Core thread. Some gaps are left in the loops for finer detailing of the needlework.

Braiding

Braiding work is done through looping alternate two or three different strands of fabric or threads. The braiding is either simple with two or three strands or at times complex using several strands of the fabric to weave intricate patterns which accentuate the beauty of the apparel.

Needlework is an ancient practice in Gujarat and is hugely accepted all over the world in traditional and ethnic wear, marriages and functions. The array of weaving patterns is mesmerizingly beautiful.

SHORT DESCRIPTION-TORAN

Gujarat is a state which presents the fine blend of industrial growth and traditional art reflecting the cultural heritage of the state to the fullest. The Toran making is an ancient tradition practiced in Gujarat for decades.

Traditional Heritage

Gujarat is well known for preserving the traditional art for decades to the finest details and promoting the techniques of different art forms. The state is famous for fine embroidery work, dhurries, brass and iron items, food, and several other cultural attributes. These artistic items were initially observed in the villages especially by women for household uses and later acclaimed across the globe.

Toran making is an art observed in Gujarat since the inception of time. Toran is a decorative door hanging used specifically in India in the Hindu culture mostly like garlands of marigold and other flowers. This was later modified by making toran with fabrics or metals mostly in the shape of mango leaves. Mostly bright and vibrant colours are used. These are used for religious and decorative purposes.

Cultural and Other Properties

The toran is an ancient tradition inspired by a folk tale and has immense religious belief. The toran is a decorative string tied on the door which has a folk tale marking its history. The tradition is still followed with valour.  

The Toran is an intricate art work and hanging torans on the household door is an ancient tradition. The toran has religious following. Torans is an important part of the marriage ceremonies especially in the Rajput tradition. It is believed to bring radiance to the lives. Initially toran making was done by women villagers but has now become a rising trend in household designing across the country.

Crystal Toran

The crystal torans are made with beads and crystals of various colours and shapes. The beads are strung together and arranged beautifully to add freshness when it is tied to the door of the house. The patterns of the crystal torans are alluring and the designs are beautiful.

Bandhani Toran

Some toran makers use a specific seam style of toran making. This involves the use of intricate art work without using any mould for the toran. Mirrors are used to reflect a lovely hue and the thread patterns are woven with a patch work look.

Jute Toran

Jute torans have a pure traditional look. The toran is made with jute and traditional patterns are painted. This gives it an ethnic look which in turn is accentuated with small pieces of mirror work.

Torans are handmade mostly but are now manufactured on the mass scale in industrial basis. Torans are hand woven and a wide array of varieties in designs is available. Bright colour shades of threads and mirror are commonly used in making torans. It adds freshness and well being to the family as her Hindu belief.

Images

References

http://www.craftofgujarat.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=71

http://www.bharatonline.com/gujarat/art-craft/handicrafts.html

http://www.of-india.com/index.php/culture-and-tradition/brass-iron-and-clay-handicraft-works-ofgujarat/

http://www.mapsofindia.com/gujarat/arts-and-crafts.html

SHORT DESCRIPTION-EMBROIDERY

Gujarat is the state of traditional art. The state is known for its immense industrial growth over decades. The state is blessed with mesmerizing embroidery work which has travelled from the depths of the villages to across the world.

Traditional Heritage

Gujarat is known for the strong faith and belief of the natives. The tradition and culture has been beautifully preserved by the natives which has earned them the praise, “Where stays a Gujarati there Lies Gujarat.” The state is well known for the industrial growth all over the world. The state is famed for the thread work and the artistic capability of the people is well woven into the fabric.

Embroidery work was practiced specifically by the village women but has now spread across the state and the rest of the word for the seamless beauty and rich art and traditional designs. The richness of the embroidery work has magnified the heritage of the state to manifolds. The wide array of embroidery work is exquisite and hugely followed.

Cultural and Other Properties

India is known for its diversity in culture. Apparels mark the basic distinction in the varying culture along with food habits, faith and beliefs. Gujarat has a promising clothing marvelled with beautiful embroidery work of colourful threads. The gold embroidery work has a specific class which marks the perfection of all traditional and ethnic wear in various functions and marriage ceremonies.  

The artistic culture of weaving threads to beauty is embroidery. Embroidery work of Gujarat ranges from Shisha(MIRROR), Bavalia, Banni, Rabari and Gold embroidery. Every embroidery work is different and has unique features and touch of magnificence. The prime centre of the embroidery work in Gujarat is the Kutch region and the Saurashtra. The art of embroidery is a specialization with the village women and has now woven accolades across the globe.

Shisha Embroidery

The weavers of Shisha embroidery use small pieces of mirror or Abhla Bharat in the weaving pattern to give it a look of artistic difference. The work originated in Iran where it migrated during the 17^th century and was introduced by the Mughal Empire. The glass for the purpose is broken into large bubbles and then broken in small pieces for the work. Vibrant colour threads are used to weave it around the cloth piece. The art looks spectacular and very famous all over the world. The glass work has strong religious significance and following among the natives.  

Kathi Embroidery

Kathi embroidery is traditionally one of the oldest forms of embroidery work. This work employs the use of mirrors and threads to give it a patch work look. The base is mostly satin and black silk which gives it a stunning and graceful look.  

Bavalia Embroidery

The Bavalia embroidery is taken to be one of the simplest yet stunning embroidery works of Gujarat. Primarily it prevails in the Saurashtra region of the state. The embroidery work is basically geometrical in nature. Mirrors are used to magnify the beauty. The mirrors are stitched on the Cloth is basic Cross Stitch or button hole pattern.

Banni Embroidery

The intricate embroidery is famed for its silky hue and stunningly gorgeous look. The fine mirror work in the button hole is the greatest attraction. The weaving pattern mainly uses the colours like mauve, yellow and pink.  

The rich traditional embroidery work of Gujarat is a major attraction of every tourist and traveller. The simple and exquisite blend of threads women reflects moods of love and emotions. The art is beautifully woven to perfection and is transferred over generations.