Long ago about three hundred years ago, in Kutch district in Gujarat (western India), people from Khatri Muslim community used to design and paint costumes for the local animal herders and the farmers. This cloth painting was called Rogan Art. Rogan (which means oil Based) is a form of painting on fabric, using thick bright coloured paints made with castor seed oil. Castor seed oil becomes very thick when it is cooked for more than 12 hours and cast into cold water. A small amount of it is mixed with natural pigments onto the palm of the artist and mixed well with a rod/stylus. The paint is stretched into a thin wire from the palm and is carefully twisted on to the fabric to make different motifs. The Important thing is that the stylus does not tough the fabric. Once the design is painted, it is pressed on the other side of the plain fabric to produce a mirror image. This Art form was very rustic but now it has become very stylized. Main motifs painted are "tree of life". Main colours used in Rogan Art are Yellow, Blue and Red. Geometric and floral patterns are used mostly. Potli, the organization behind this series of art & craft kits, aims to reconnect children with traditional Indian art. It helps in sustaining our indigenous art forms, creating awareness and expanding markets for artisan communities that depend on their art for livelihood.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist