BEAD WORK OF GUJARAT

Gujarat is the centre for Bead Craft, also known as Moti Bharat, across India. Bead craft is the art of making household decorative items like chaklas, Indhonis, Mangal kalash & nariyal and torans and jewellerY like necklaces, bangles, earring etc. Motifs and patterns are dictated by the technique of putting two or three beads together. This art has originated from Saurashtra region, Rajkot, Bhanagar, Amreli and Junagadh Districts are and it is also practiced in Ahmedabad. Tribal artisans of Panchmahal and Vadodara Districts are also making traditional bead jewellery, ornaments when worked around solid objects such as coconuts and potrests it takes a breath taking three dimensional forms. Bead craft is used for making home dcor items. It is also popular in the tribals of dahod, vadodra and Panchmahals.

Beadwork is another Gujarati speciality from Khambhat and Saurashtra. Motifs and patterns are dictated by the technique of putting two and three beads together. Beadwork objects are used in wall decorations, potholders, etc. The best beadwork is produced by the 'kathis' (tribals). Worked mostly on a white background they use colours that are vibrant with very distinct patterns. Beadwork 'torans' are usually placed over doorways.

Graphically expressive, contrasting hues and diverse variety of products are created and enhanced with minute sized playful beads. Beadwork of Gujarat is been well known in the field of design and cherished by both the creator and the users. Product or accessories created in vibrantly multihued beads mainly in primary colors set on the backdrop of white beads is a common site in rural parts of Gujarat. Interweave of these playful materials forms a textured fabric like surface and unlike other places where bead embroidery is more prevalent, Gujarat flaunts the technique of net like weave of the beads. Beads seem to be one of the most favored materials used by the women in pastoral areas of Gujarat. White, red, blue, green, yellow, brown, black beads are composed to form various patterns depicting nature, human beings, flora and fauna and even mythological stories. Vast range of products though mainly wall hangings, torans bags, cattle decoration products, bags, and varied kinds of attires are created by this technique.

Multihued, sparkly beads dotted all over textiles radiate playful agility and creativity of embroiderers of Gujarat. Beads embroidery on textiles is one of the most favored forms of textile embellishment being practiced in Gujarat. Moti Bharat as it is traditionally recognized is utilized in diverse products creating graphical, three dimensional effect on textiles. Red, maroon, yellow, blue, green beads emphasized with scrupulous use of white intensifies the magical liveliness of art of beadwork The distinctive individuality of embroidered beadwork in Gujarat is the texture created by stitching beads all over the fabric and amalgamating it with varied stitches. From simple geometrical designs to complex forms of natural motifs, the flowing patterns of beadwork create the most expressive and illustrious patterns on textiles. Varied textile traditions like bandhani and block prints are bedecked with supplements of natural and glass beads. Glittering colorful beads along with sparkling mirror work enveloped amidst beautiful embroidery enhances fashion accessories as well as home furnishings. Stoles, bags, home furnishings in complimenting colors mark the contemporary embroidered product
range.