Leather Craft of Rajasthan

Leather Craft of Rajasthan
The use of leather in Rajasthan is very old. In every village the requirements of shoes of the people were catered to by the class of craftsmen called Mochis. Earlier, they used to make the shoes in simple fashion but compact as to wear longer. The embroidered leather shoes are now well known items in the world market. The art of producing Mojdis developed in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Mojdis are prepared in different patterns and colors to cater to the need of the rural and urban customers. They are famous for their traditional shape and beautiful embroidery. Intricate embroidered patterns sometimes used in colors display the taste of the craftsmen for minute ornamentation. In Jaipur the embroidery on the mojdis is done on velvet while in Jodhpur on plain leather. Jaisalmer and Bikaner also employ large number of embroiders of hoes. These shoes in golden color with proficient
ornamentation speak of gorgeousness and high skill of craftsmen. Ornamented sleepers and sword sheaths are also made in Rajasthan. Decorative saddles for horses and camels are prepared in Bikaner, Jaipur and Jaisalmer areas. A special type of water bottle called Kopi is made in Bikaner from camel hide. The process of making water bottles in different designs is described as; "The leather is first softened and then stretched over a clay mould made of the desired shape; when hardened, the clay is washed away. The pattern (for decoration) is first drawn on the leather then the portion to be ornamented raised by applying a mixture of shell powder, glue and a kind of wood apple. When the surface rises, it is painted in gold and other colored black or red to project the shades at the top vividly. This style is in fact a copy of the local wall paintings. Beautifully shaped lamps and lamp shades are also made from the camel stomach that are reminiscent at the exquisite marble work of the Mughal Era". Alwar in Rajasthan has produced some of the masterpieces in book bindings in leather. The beautiful work Gulistan of Sheikh Sasdi was bound by a craftsman of Alwar, Karim Ahmed and his sons. This art was patronized by Maharaja Banni Singh of Alwar in early nineteenth century. The hand bags made of leather were richly embroidered. Earlier they were used as packs for the gun powder but with times it caught the fancy of women folks. These articles are now in great demand in the foreign markets. They are now decoratively adorned with cotton and silk threads and Salma-Sitaras. The hand bags made of Khan in Sawai Madhopur are also popular. Another vanishing art is Manoti Art. Imported from China, it underwent a continuous change according to the tastes of the rulers. Camel hide was used only in Bikaner. Since the 16th century this work had been under the influence of the Mughal and Rajput cultures. The objects were decorated with floral designs, colored and plated with thin gold leaves. Only one family of Usta is surviving to keep this art alive in Bikaner. Embroidery on shoes, money bags, belts and leather jackets is also a specialty in Rajasthan. Images sourced from Google Search Engine with the term Rajasthan Leather Work"