What you see - Entering Gurjari's elaborately carved doors is like entering another world, an aesthetic, very Indian, very cultured world that speaks of Asian beauty. The dark tones of mahogany and rosewood that meet the eye are set off by the vibrant hues of saffron, turmeric, moss-green, indigo blue, magenta and other striking natural pigments. The gleam of hand crafted, hand polished brass and bronze reflect the stray rays of sun that have managed to sneak into the cool, dark interiors. Every nook and cranny of Gurjari is stacked with exquisitely created handicrafts from across the state of Gujarat. This large shop situated above the British library is filled from roof to floor with exquisitely created handicrafts. For someone who delights in the unique and the ethnic, this is truly Paradise.

What you get - A voyeuristic stroll around this craft emporium gives you several pleasant interruptions. Woven screens with little puppets and bells on them are one such. These colorful handcrafted tassels jingle pleasantly when the wind turns and are easy on both the eye and the ear. More dramatic string puppets similar to Rajasthani ones, come both solo and in pairs –in a crazy palette of colors and at very reasonable rates. What caught our eye (and would definitely fuel the imagination of any child) was a lovable magenta play-horse stuffed with straw with little orange and green pom poms and little silver bells on it.

The metal creations at Gurjari  include exquisitely crafted boxes, bells, bowls, figurines etc in bronze, brass, silver and white metal. Metal inlay in wood is also seen in the form of boxes and prayer seats. Gurjari also showcases fabulous Gujarati furniture, which includes elaborately carved swings, dining tables, drawing room sets and chairs in rosewood and mahogany. There are also interesting combinations like jute and rosewood furniture, or enamel work in mahogany furniture. In addition, exquisite Sankheda furniture exclusive to the state is also showcased here. A swing of this type of furniture costs Rs 65,000 approximately. You could get a pretty bell for about Rs. 250 and the cute horse costs around Rs. 400. The hand crafted screens (tassels) come at Rs. 600 each, depending upon how many strings each screen has. Handlooms are priced by the metre, at Rs. 60 upward.

Gujarat, ergo Gurjari, is essentially known for its handlooms, particularly its beautiful, cost effective block printing technique employed on cotton. Gurjari also stocks the Ajrakh print, which Gujarat is so well known for. In addition, they also have some beautiful Kutchi embroidery on wall hangings and cholis. Gurjari also stocks an interesting range of naturally dyed, block printed dress materials that are carelessly dumped at the back of the shop along with a beautiful collection of tie-and-dye dupattas. Excavating your favorite from the mountain of potentials is only the beginning.

Our verdict - Gurjari offers its patrons several beautiful and unique pieces worth collecting and keeping in the home. Whether it is metal work, furniture, handlooms, jewelry, toys or household artifacts, you can find everything you need here. However it still shortchanges patrons in the sense that the focus of this emporium is mostly block prints and some artifacts. The majority of Gujarat’s embroideries from across Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar for example have been excluded. However, their range of decorative artifacts including those in wood, metal and cloth were truly beautiful and praiseworthy. Ample parking space is available at Hotel Sarovar premises.

Anytime between - 11AM - 7 PM (Closed on Sundays)