Chanda Shroff - 2006 Laureates

Chanda Shroff has revived the declining tradition of Kutchi hand embroidery and transformed it into a viable, income-generating activity for over 20,000 women. Shroff (right) looks at the work of an artisan from the Haleputra community. Great attention to design and quality is central to the Kutchi embroidery tradition. In 1969, Chanda Shroff founded Shrujan, an organisation whose goal is to ensure the legacy of Kutchi embroidery is passed on the new generations of artisans. Women from the same community share the same motifs and stitches. Shroff’s project brings different communities together to learn one another across caste and ethnic divides. The beauty and quality of Kutchi embroidery reflect the remarkable crafsmanship of the artisans who are the custodians of this unique cultural heritage. Shroff’s colleagues (left) regularly visit villages to supply raw materials and purchase finished work from the craftswomen, bringing them both revenue and a sense of pride. Kutchi embroidery was traditionally used for girls’ dowries or as a symbol of wealth. In the past, its intricate, geometric designs were handed down from mother to daughter. Chanda Shroff speaks to craftswomen in front of the display panels they have created to illustrate Kutchi embroidery styles. To stimulate a revival of embroidery and the sharing of styles and techniques, Shroff commissioned artisans to create a mobile collection of display panels
Chanda Shroff has revived the declining tradition of Kutchi hand embroidery and transformed it into a viable, income-generating activity for over 20,000 women.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Jura Camp, Kutch, India, 2006
Chanda Shroff has revived the declining tradition of Kutchi hand embroidery and transformed it into a viable, income-generating activity for over 20,000 women.

Shroff (right) looks at the work of an artisan from the Haleputra community. Great attention to design and quality is central to the Kutchi embroidery tradition.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Hodko, Kutch, India, 2006
Shroff (right) looks at the work of an artisan from the Haleputra community. Great attention to design and quality is central to the Kutchi embroidery tradition.

In 1969, Chanda Shroff founded Shrujan, an organisation whose goal is to ensure the legacy of Kutchi embroidery is passed on the new generations of artisans.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Hodko, Kutch, India, 2006
In 1969, Chanda Shroff founded Shrujan, an organisation whose goal is to ensure the legacy of Kutchi embroidery is passed on the new generations of artisans.

Women from the same community share the same motifs and stitches. Shroff’s project brings different communities together to learn one another across caste and ethnic divides.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Hodko, Kutch, India, 2006
Women from the same community share the same motifs and stitches. Shroff’s project brings different communities together to learn one another across caste and ethnic divides.

The beauty and quality of Kutchi embroidery reflect the remarkable crafsmanship of the artisans who are the custodians of this unique cultural heritage.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Hodko, Kutch, India, 2006
The beauty and quality of Kutchi embroidery reflect the remarkable crafsmanship of the artisans who are the custodians of this unique cultural heritage.

Shroff’s colleagues (left) regularly visit villages to supply raw materials and purchase finished work from the craftswomen, bringing them both revenue and a sense of pride.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Jura Camp, Kutch, India, 2006
Shroff’s colleagues (left) regularly visit villages to supply raw materials and purchase finished work from the craftswomen, bringing them both revenue and a sense of pride.

Kutchi embroidery was traditionally used for girls’ dowries or as a symbol of wealth. In the past, its intricate, geometric designs were handed down from mother to daughter.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Sumrasar, Kutch, India, 2006
Kutchi embroidery was traditionally used for girls’ dowries or as a symbol of wealth. In the past, its intricate, geometric designs were handed down from mother to daughter.

Chanda Shroff speaks to craftswomen in front of the display panels they have created to illustrate Kutchi embroidery styles.

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Moti Vamoti, Kutch, India, 2006
Chanda Shroff speaks to craftswomen in front of the display panels they have created to illustrate Kutchi embroidery styles.

To stimulate a revival of embroidery and the sharing of styles and techniques, Shroff commissioned artisans to create a mobile collection of display panels

©Rolex Awards/Xavier Lecoultre

Moti Vamoti, Kutch, India, 2006
To stimulate a revival of embroidery and the sharing of styles and techniques, Shroff commissioned artisans to create a mobile collection of display panels