The Art of Coir & Patch Works in Fashion Accessories

By Ms Prachi Kandelwal 

Mr. Ranjan Kumar, a seasoned artisan from Ahmedabad with 25 years of experience in patchwork and coir work, recently participated in the 3-day Artisan's Bazaar organized by NIFT Daman. His family has been involved in this traditional art form for generations, and he has honed his skills to create exquisite pieces that showcase his craftsmanship. Mr. Kumar's work involves intricate patchwork on various canvases, including khadi handloom fabrics. He also creates beautiful and intricate designs using coconut tusks, showcasing his versatility and skill in working with different materials. His coir work on coconut products is another creativity to his craftsmanship, highlighting the potential of traditional Indian crafts.

He creates customised products to meet specific demands, as the high manpower involved in crafting these pieces makes ready-made products expensive. However, his bespoke creations are truly unique and valuable. At the Artisan's Bazaar, Mr. Kumar displayed his stunning designs, featuring natural birds and animals crafted using patchwork on khadi handloom cloths. While he believes there is a market for his art, he emphasizes the need to raise awareness about these products to attract a broader customer base.

The NIFT platform provided Mr. Kumar with an opportunity to showcase his art to a wider audience, potentially leading to better livelihood opportunities for artisans like him. By promoting traditional crafts and supporting artisans, NIFT is helping to preserve India's rich cultural heritage while empowering these skilled individuals to thrive in the mainstream market.