The
traditional Rogan flower motifs and designs speak of a Persian influence and the word
Rogan itself means oil-based in Persian. Today, Nirona in Kutch is the only place where
this work is created. When castor oil is heated over fire for more than twelve hours and
cast into cold water, it produces a thick residue called rogan, which is mixed with
natural colours obtained from the earth. With a six-inch wooden stick or pen, the
craftperson then draws out from this a fine thread which is painted to the cloth. Rogan
painting is delicately and precisely painted from one's own creative imagination and is
done with total concentration sitting on the floor without using a table-frame or any
outline. Rogan painted cloth is used for making pillow covers, tablecloths, wall hangings,
file folders, decorative pieces and even saris.
|