WOODEN SAADELI TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMAN (NATIONAL AWARD WINNER)

Profile of Artist:

Jitendra M. Petigara, a National Award winner and master craftsman of Saadeli Art, describes the art as a form of marquetry that showcases the skill of decorating the surface of wooden articles with delicate pieces of wood and other forms of materials. These pieces are cut in precise geometric shapes.

Jitendra ji is the third generation craftsman of this unique heritage art. He inherited the art from his forefathers who learned it from Parsis, who had migrated to Gujarat from Iran. These Parsis helped Indians imbibe the art, and eventually a whole Petigara community of Parsi and Indian Saadeli Artists was created.

However, today Saadeli is on the verge of extinction, and only Jitendra ji and his son Rakesh (Who is also a master craftsman of Saadeli art.) are the ones practicing this art. Rakesh is a Gold Medallist in Interior Designing, but even after having the prospects of a bright future and lucrative career, he left the professional field, because Rakesh was scared that if he does not take-up Saadeli as his main profession, there would be no one left to uphold this intricate endangered art.

To help preserve this traditional Gujarati art, Rakesh is trying to be a part of architectural and design field trips conducted for the students of this stream. He intends to share his innovative ideas about Saadeli art with the aspiring and enthusiastic students and art lovers.

Contact Detail:

Name:	Mr. JITENDRA KUMAR M. PETIGARA & RAKESH PETIGARA
Co. Name:	PRAGATI HANDICRAFTS
Address:	7/3216, Kachhiya sheri, Saiyedpura, Nr. Ranpura Petrol pump, SURAT-395003
Phone No:	Rakesh: 701 677 8982, 886 682 9245 Jitendra ji : 937 454 2424
Whats app No:	-
E-mail Id	rakeshpetigara77@gmail.com