Jodhpur is one of the ancient cities of India which embraces history, heritage and handicrafts in it. The city actually was founded in 1459 by the Rajput ruler, Roa Jodha, and served as the capital of the state of Jodhpur. The city is famous for its mesmerising forts, palaces, temples, and mansions which speak of the architectural beauty of this beautiful blue city. Different dynasties and tribal cultures have shaped the culture and tradition of Jodhpur. Apart from the architectural marvels, we cannot deny the main heritage of the city, which is its handicrafts. Jodhpur is renowned for Bandhani, Leather goods, Antiques, Furniture, and Blue pottery.
If you are coming to India and not taking back something from Jodhpur then, you are missing a very important part of India. The handicrafts of India are quite popular around the world and if you are someone who is doing business with these pieces then you should read this blog to get a piece of good information about the handicrafts of Jodhpur. So, what are you waiting for let’s get started.
Bandhani: Tie-Dye Fabrics
Bandhani is a type of tie-dye fabric prepared by using the traditional art of dyeing fabrics by typing small knots on the cloth before immersing it into the colours. Jodhpur Bandhani is quite popular for its vibrant colour and eye-catching patterns that reflect the trueness of the Jodhpuri culture and heritage. Jodhpuri bandhani is generally used to make saree, dupattas, pagdi (Turban) and other traditional garments which are commonly used in Jodhpur culture.
Bandhani comes in different types and patterns. Every pattern has a specific meaning and significance. Bandhani is decorated by plucking the clothes with fingernails and binding multiple knots to form a figurative design. Some of the common types and patterns are discussed below in detail:
- Leheriya: Leheriya actually means ‘wavy’ in the local dialect and in Hindi. It is a pattern of diagonal stripes or waves that looks like the flow of water or river. The pattern is created by folding the fabric diagonally and knotting it at different intervals before dyeing it. Leheriya is generally dyed in bright colours like yellow, green or pink which gives it a very appealing colourful pattern. Leheriya represents joy, happiness, and movement. Thus, these patterns are generally worn during different festivals and occasions such as Teej.
- Mothra/Mothda: Mothra is a pattern that resembles the eye of a moth which is created by folding the fabric horizontally and vertically and knotting it at regular intervals before dyeing it. Mothra or Mothda is dyed in contrasting colours such as red and black to give an appealing look when used in a saree or other traditional cloth. Mothda is a symbol of protection, wisdom and vision. It is generally worn by men as turbans or scarves.
- Ekdali: Ekdali means ‘single branched’. This is a pattern with single dots which are evenly spaced on the fabric. The pattern is created by tying small knots on the fabric with fine thread before immersing it. Ekdali is dyed in multiple colours giving a rainbow feel. Thus, it represents unity and harmony. It is often used in women’s sarees and dupattas.
- Shikari: Shikari literally means ‘hunter’ and thus, these patterns represent complex shapes and motifs which generally resemble animals, birds, flowers or other human figures. These patterns are created by tying knots in a specific design before immersing them in the dye. They are usually dyed in dark colours, such as black, brown or maroon and thus, generally used as shawls.
Bandhani really represents the colourfulness of Jodhpur and speaks up about the joyfulness which is within the Jodhpuri people.
Jodhpuri Antiques & Furniture
Jodhpur is rich in antiques and traditional stylish furniture which can highlight the beauty of your living space. Jodhpur is a major manufacturer and exporter of various antique and furniture products, such as stylish sofas, chairs, tables, cabinets and more. We know that all over the world wooden and metallic furniture are cherished a lot. You can choose a wide range of furniture from Jodhpur which are handcrafted by skilled artisans of Jodhpur. These furniture and antiques are quite popular in the local as well as international markets.
There are different types of Jodhpuri furniture that you can bring to your home or store and elevate its essence with the smell of Jodhpur. Generally, Jodhpuri furniture includes sofas, tables, chairs, cabinets, trunks, chests, beds and more additional customized furniture products. Jodhpuri furniture is made of wood with metallic frames and upholstered with either leather or fabric. Carving on Jodhpuri furniture is the prime feature that speaks of the skill of local artisans. You can also find some artistic paintings on the furniture as well which makes them more appealing and joyful. Jodhpuri furniture has a royal feel which you will feel in every piece. Moreover, every piece is handmade, so they are unique and no two sofas or beds will be exactly the same even if the design may be the same.
Speaking of the Jodhpuri antique, there are several categories that may take a different blog to explain all about them. Jodhpuri antique includes clothes, jewellery, and handicrafts that reflect the tradition and ethnic style of Rajasthan. They are popular for their quality, durability, style, uniqueness and traditional charm. These Jodhpuri antiques also work as decorative pieces in your bedroom or living space. Jodhpuri furniture is also part of Jodhpuri antiques because it carries the charm of traditional woodcrafts and woodwork. One of the famous handicrafts which is also an antique piece that can increase the shine of your house, is Jodhpur’s blue pottery. We’ll discuss it in the next section so that you get a good idea about it as well.
Jodhpuri Blue Pottery
Jodhpuri people love ‘blue’. This city is called ‘blue city’ for its blue houses but there is also one thing that is blue here, and that is pottery. Jodhpuri blue pottery is a type of pottery that is a speciality of Jodhputi artisans. Mark our words, ‘It is one the most distinctive and exquisite forms of pottery in the whole world’. It is because of the technique used while making this pottery. By pottery, you may think about clay but Jodhpuri pottery is nowhere related to clay pottery. It is a type of pottery in which dough is prepared by mixing quartz stone powder, powdered glass, Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth, borax, gum and water. Sounds interesting, isn’t it? The second process is that is it not baked in the high fire but is glazed and low-fired which gives it a semi-transparent and glossy look. And then comes the last process, colouring it with the blue dye, which will make your eye glow blue. This blue colour is actually derived from cobalt oxide. Along with blue colours, you get the amalgamation of different colours in Jodhpuri pottery.
The history of Jodhpuri pottery is also fascinating which speaks about how the interaction of various cultures can give birth to something totally new. The same happened with Jodhpuri pottery which was influenced by Mongol artisans, Chinese glazing technology and Persian decorative arts. Local innovation enhanced the beauty of this unique skill. When you buy Jodhpuri blue pottery you actually buy the history of the evolution of an art skill with you.
Although Jodhpuri pottery is artistic and beautiful as a decorative piece, it is also functional and durable. You can use it for various purposes such as serving food, and drinks, storing items or as a flower pot and candle stand. And the most important part is that it is very hygienic and suitable for daily use and doesn’t develop cracks or pores due to its unique raw materials. Rajasthan is the hottest region of India and thus the pottery is also made to withstand high temperature and also moisture without losing the shine of its colour. Jodpuri blue pottery is available as plates, bowls, cups, saucers, jugs, vases, pots, jars, trays, coasters, ashtrays, etc.
Conclusion
After reading this, we feel you must be curious about Jodhpuri handicrafts and products which you can bring to your home. Or at least today you’ll explore the internet about some of these products. Every part of India is rich in culture and heritage and every part carries a special type of art skill which makes this incredible India more incredible. Bring home the products of Jodhpur at your home and elevate its beauty. You can order them in bulk to your store direct from India to your country with our seamless supply chain management service which keeps your product intact and give you assured on-time delivery with an optimised tracking system. Do not wait and explore the beauty of India with the beauty of its handicrafts and home decor products now!