Silversmithing
is a major craft of Rajkot, Gondal
and Wankaner, all 3 in Rajkot district,
and Bhuj, the capital of Kutch district.
Silver tribal jewellery is best bought
from Poshina near Ambaji and Iqbalgadh
near Balaram, both in North Gujarat.
Anjar in Kutch district is a major
centre for other metalcrafts and Nirona
also in Kutch district for coppersmithing.
Girl engaged in embroidery work
EMBROIDERY, BEADWORK AND APPLIQUE
WORK
Kutch is easily one of the world's
finest centres for embroidery with
various styles differing with the
community and area-Rabari embroidery,
Ahir embroidery, Sindhi embroidery,
Banni embroidery, Mutwa embroidery,
Ari embroidery, Soof embroidery-and
some styles include mirror or bead
inlay. Embroidery is also a major
craft in Saurashtra and north Gujarat,
specially beadwork embroidery seen
in Gondal and other places in Rajkot
district, and leather embroidery
for mojdi footwear in Radhanpur.
Besides fabrics, leather footwear
is also embroidered in Banni region
of Kutch district and Radhanpur
in North Gujarat.Applique work,
the process of stiching fabric patches
together in beautiful patterns,
is another major textile craft of
Gujarat
STONE CUTTING
Cambay
continues the tradition of stone jewellery
specially agate and other semi precious
stones which dates back some 7000
years in this region and reached high
standards of development in Lothal
between 2400-1600 BC. There are govt
guest houses at Cambay and The Palace
Utelia, a heritage hotel is around
50 kms from Cambay town.
The
marble sculpture of Ambaji, the pretty
patara boxes from Gondal, Jasdan,
Bhavnagar and other places in Saurashtra,
the hand painted fabrics of Ahmedabad
and other handicrafts thrive in Gujarat.
Cottage industries like clock making
in Morvi, weighing scales of Savarkundla,
harmonium reeds of Palitana, are other
examples of Gujarati handiwork.
LAQUERED FURNITURE
Almost
synonymous with Sankheda, a small town near
Baroda, this includes glass topped tables,
settees, cushioned chairs and swings of
gaily painted wood, beside small temples,
dandias(sticks for Garba), chappatti rollers
and utensils. Best seen and bought at Sankheda
near Baroda, Mahuva near Bhavnagar and in
Kutch district. There is a good choice of
accommodations at Baroda.
