Vadodara: As changing lifestyles push many traditional crafts to the margins, a new academic study has offered a fresh way forward by adapting Gujarat’s vibrant folk and textile art forms into contemporary home décor that is both functional and culturally rooted.The PhD research, titled “Traditional Art of Gujarat: Application on Accessories for Interior Decoration,” was undertaken by Shruti Chaudhari under the guidance of Prof Sarjoo Patel at the department of family and community resource management, faculty of family and community sciences, the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU). The work was showcased today and will remain on display till Thursday.The study documented and reinterpreted 12 traditional art forms of Gujarat — ajrakh, abhla, applique, batik, bandhani, gamthi prints, lacquer lathe woodcraft, lippan art, mashru textiles, moti bharat embroidery, pithora paintings and tangaliya weaving — by integrating them into décor accessories suited for modern homes and commercial spaces.Extensive fieldwork was conducted across the state, with Chaudhari interacting directly with artisans to understand traditional techniques, materials and the cultural significance behind each craft. The research also highlighted key challenges faced by artisans, including declining awareness, limited market access and reduced interest among younger generations. To strengthen documentation and awareness, a documentary on Gujarat’s traditional arts was also developed as part of the study.As part of the design development, Ajrakh textiles from Kutch were used in mirrors, partitions and seating puffies, while abhla mirror embroidery was adapted into wall clocks, lamps and side tables. Applique work featured in wall frames, console tables and lanterns, while batik and bandhani were applied to furniture pieces, organisers and lighting fixtures.Gamthi prints were incorporated into coffee tables and stools, lacquer lathe woodcraft into seating and storage solutions, and lippan art — traditionally created on mud walls — was transformed into partitions, trays and other decorative elements. Mashru textiles, moti bharat embroidery, pithora paintings and tangaliya weaving were also reimagined into tables, planters, lamps and home accessories, with an emphasis on retaining authenticity while ensuring everyday utility. The study concluded that Gujarat’s traditional arts need not remain confined to ceremonial settings or museum spaces. Instead, they can gain renewed relevance through contemporary interior design, supporting cultural preservation, artisan livelihoods and design innovation in a sustainable, market-ready form.
