Gulam Rasool

Gulam Rasool carved stone sculpture, decor accents and games

Update (May, 2020)

"I have worked with you since 2004 and you have given me a platform to exhibit my craft to the whole world. My stone carvings are appreciated and your purchases helped me to achieve success in life.

"My work increased and I was able to have a stable income. This financial stability inspired my workers. I was able to create more designs and sell more. At the beginning, I had only five or six people assisting me in my workshop. Now I have fifteen artisans working with me. My two sons and grandson also work with me.

"The biggest challenge that we have to face is to get the materials due to lack of money. We import alabaster marble from Italy, real marble and soapstone from Makrana in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Also, working in a small space to complete a big order is a challenge in itself. With our work expanding, now we need more space. We are looking forward to a good and bigger place for our workshop.

"Along with the Uttar Pradesh State Award in 1982, I was honored with the Braj Ratan Award in 1993 for stonework. The Braj Ratan Award is a small scale industry award given by the Udyog Vibhag, Uttar Pradesh.

"I am associated with a government certified center where I have trained 50 to 60 workers to date.

"I would like to thank everyone for your support and ask you to continue supporting us by buying our designs. This help boast our helpers' morale and also helps all of us to lead a better life.

Original Artisan Story

"Hello. My name is Gulam Rasool and I was born in the year 1940. My city is so rich in traditional marble sculpting that anyone visiting would never get enough of the exotic beauty and artistic work of the people here. I belong to a family who has a long relationship with the art of sculpting marble. I became interested in this rich work and started helping my father. My father was an expert in marble sculpting and jali, or 'openwork.' He was honored with the state award for excellence in marble sculpting in 1979. I learned a lot from him and chose to follow his path.

"After working with my father for a long time, I ventured out on my own. I experimented with different designs and gave a new dimension to the traditional styles. At that time, there were very few tourists coming to India and all we got from a hard day's work were a few bucks from selling souvenir items made of soapstone. Over the years, however, things have changed as far as our work's popularity is concerned. More and more tourists come to India to learn about our exquisite art. And this has helped artisans a lot.

"After years of hard work, I was honored with a state award for excellence in marble handicrafts. Today, I am proud to mention that I have earned a name for myself in the art of jali work. The opportunity to work with you is unique and I am delighted to be associated with you. Now I can show my work to the world."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace New Delhi, India

Update (May, 2020)

"I have worked with you since 2004 and you have given me a platform to exhibit my craft to the whole world. My stone carvings are appreciated and your purchases helped me to achieve success in life.

"My work increased and I was able to have a stable income. This financial stability inspired my workers. I was able to create more designs and sell more. At the beginning, I had only five or six people assisting me in my workshop. Now I have fifteen artisans working with me. My two sons and grandson also work with me.

"The biggest challenge that we have to face is to get the materials due to lack of money. We import alabaster marble from Italy, real marble and soapstone from Makrana in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Also, working in a small space to complete a big order is a challenge in itself. With our work expanding, now we need more space. We are looking forward to a good and bigger place for our workshop.

"Along with the Uttar Pradesh State Award in 1982, I was honored with the Braj Ratan Award in 1993 for stonework. The Braj Ratan Award is a small scale industry award given by the Udyog Vibhag, Uttar Pradesh.

"I am associated with a government certified center where I have trained 50 to 60 workers to date.

"I would like to thank everyone for your support and ask you to continue supporting us by buying our designs. This help boast our helpers' morale and also helps all of us to lead a better life.

Original Artisan Story

"Hello. My name is Gulam Rasool and I was born in the year 1940. My city is so rich in traditional marble sculpting that anyone visiting would never get enough of the exotic beauty and artistic work of the people here. I belong to a family who has a long relationship with the art of sculpting marble. I became interested in this rich work and started helping my father. My father was an expert in marble sculpting and jali, or 'openwork.' He was honored with the state award for excellence in marble sculpting in 1979. I learned a lot from him and chose to follow his path.

"After working with my father for a long time, I ventured out on my own. I experimented with different designs and gave a new dimension to the traditional styles. At that time, there were very few tourists coming to India and all we got from a hard day's work were a few bucks from selling souvenir items made of soapstone. Over the years, however, things have changed as far as our work's popularity is concerned. More and more tourists come to India to learn about our exquisite art. And this has helped artisans a lot.

"After years of hard work, I was honored with a state award for excellence in marble handicrafts. Today, I am proud to mention that I have earned a name for myself in the art of jali work. The opportunity to work with you is unique and I am delighted to be associated with you. Now I can show my work to the world."

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Explore colorful, exotic, awe-inspiring India, an ancient center of cultural innovation and trade. Today, the diverse heritage of this vast sub-continent can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that Indian artisans use to create a vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of a land best described as incredible — Incredible India.

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children

Nearing his eighth decade, master stone sculptor Gulam Rasool continues to provide for his family, especially his grandchildren.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Gulam is proud to be able to help provide for his grandchildren's education.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Close to his eightieth birthday, Gulam continues the art he learned from his elders. His father was an marble carver and jali artisan honored with the state award for excellence. Gulam has been honored with the same distinction. He still works alongside his son and other artisans to whom he has taught this craft, and treasures the role he plays in continuing this important Indian artistic tradition.

Maker BadgeElder Master

This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Gulam Rasool has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $400 and the most recent for $1800.

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Alternate image for Hand Carved Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box Honeysuckle

$59.99

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Hand Carved Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box 'Honeysuckle'

$59.99

Alternate image for Hand Crafted Soapstone Coasters and Holder Set of 6 Elephant Checkers

$97.99

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Hand Crafted Soapstone Coasters and Holder Set of 6 'Elephant Checkers'

$97.99

Alternate image for Natural Soapstone Sculpture from India Beautiful Buddha

$107.99

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Natural Soapstone Sculpture from India 'Beautiful Buddha'

$107.99

Alternate image for Natural Soapstone Candleholders Hand Carved in India Pair Sunflowers

$84.99

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Natural Soapstone Candleholders Hand Carved in India Pair 'Sunflowers'

$84.99

Alternate image for Artisan Crafted Soapstone Jali Jewelry Box White Ivy

$59.99

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Artisan Crafted Soapstone Jali Jewelry Box 'White Ivy'

$59.99

(3)

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Babak I bought this as a gift for my aunt and she loved it. The craftsmanship is of very high quality and it was relatively inexpensive for such a well made handmade item. I recommend this artisan.

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Alternate image for Handmade Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box Floral Arabesque

$77.99

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Handmade Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box 'Floral Arabesque'

$77.99

(6)

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Catherine I love love love the work of this artist. These handcrafted jali soapstone treasures were gifts for my bridesmaids and Maid of Honour at our wedding. I wanted to thank my ladies with something that took human work and consideration and that shared some natural beauty of our world. I was so glad to be able to give back to the artist too. They are gorgeous, beautifully conceived and crafted. Forever grateful!

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Alternate image for Handcrafted Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box White Jasmine

$67.99

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Handcrafted Jali Soapstone Jewelry Box 'White Jasmine'

$67.99

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Alternate image for Natural Soapstone Candle Holder Hand Made Jali Pair Set Tea Roses

$67.99

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Natural Soapstone Candle Holder Hand Made Jali Pair Set 'Tea Roses'

$67.99

(10)

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Steven Nice on the mantel

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42 Reviews for

July 11, 2023

A Ann

Beautiful artwork and craftsmanship are words that do not adequately describe the amazing piece. I have more of these pieces, and this statement applies to them all. Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

Gulam Rasool

Gulam Rasool

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