Artisan Tapestries

As you can imagine, because the process of making this art is done by human hands, it took a very long time to finish even just a single piece of art. Because of this, people began thinking of new ways by which to speed up the production process. Eventually, new, technologically advanced machines and equipment were created and developed to address the matter. These new machines and equipment cut the production and manufacturing time to at least half of the time originally needed. Thus, more and more of these decorative wall hangings were produced in a shorter period of time.

The development of new machines and equipment for the production and manufacture of these decorative art works significantly cut down the supply of the artisan tapestries, also known as handmade/handcrafted tapestries. Machines began replacing human hands, and as a result, these artisan handmade pieces became a rare commodity altogether. Ironically, as the supply for these handcrafted artworks became less and less, the demand for them grew more and more.

The dynamics were once again changing and at this point, the growing demand for the artisan wall decorations had to be met one way or another. The response to this dilemma came in the form of Kalamkari, an alternative form of textile art developed by artisan and weavers to meet the publics clamor and increasing demand. Kalamkari is made by using a pen or brush to illustrate different themes and subjects on fabrics. After the illustration is done, the fabric is embellished with shells, coins or beads to make it more attractive.

Native people from South Asia and South America have preserved the fine tradition of artisan tapestry making to this day and they have even widened the reach of the craft. Nowadays, artisan works of art do not only come in the form of decorative wall hangings, but because of the skilled hands of these people, they can also come in the form of vests, shawls, carpets and even blankets. Most of the communities in these areas now rely on the production of artisan works of art as a main source of livelihood.

Handmade Tapestries
Whether it be handmade tapestries or jacguard woven goods, they both are considered true works-of-art.