The process of batik allows the imagination of the printer to come into play. Wax is used as a resist on those parts of the fabric which will be dyed a shade different from the base colour. The base is dyed a dark colour and the fabric is washed in boiling water and soap after […]
The Balaramapuram sari woven in Thiruvananthapuram district follows a tradition that is about 150 years old. The pit-loom is used for weaving and the yarn count is 100 for the warp and weft. Pure zari is used for border designs. Fine counts up to 120 are crafted. The plain white Karaikudi saris have a woven […]
An unusual and unique product, this metal mirror, a product of Aranmula in the district of Pathanamthitta near Chengannur in Kerala, is made out of an alloy of copper and tin. The polished face of the vaalkannadi or hand held mirrors with cast bronze frames metal not only resembles glass but also has the same […]
Bamboo mat weaving is carried out on a large scale in Kerala. This large range of painted and woven mats are in great demand all over India. The main centre for this craft is Irinjalakuda […]
The products made with screw pine include table mats, floor mats, cushion covers, coasters, bags, box covers, beach hats, handbags and wall hangings. The mats are often embellished with fine hand embroidery. The two-ply screw pine mats, used for sleeping, consist of a fine upper layer and a coarse bottom one, with stitching at the […]
Stone carving has a very ancient history in Kerala. Sculptures belonging to the historic period date back to the ancient times. The community that makes the images is known as Kallasari -one of the five Kamalas. The Padmanabhaswami Temple in Trivandrum is a storehouse of fine sculpture. Kerala is rich in granite and laterite rocks, […]
Charakku, the king of vessels, is one of the largest cooking vessels to be cast by man. It is made of bell-metal, an alloy of copper and tin, and has a most attractive surface with an old gold tint that does not tarnish and needs no tinning. The moosaris, one of the six categories of […]