The painted terracotta of Gujarat is unique for the dramatic impact made by the deep, rich terracotta base colour combined with the minimalistic pattern painted on it in stark black and white. Less than a handful of artisans practise this craft that is unique to Gujarat. The pots are shaped by the men on the […]
Lucknow is famous for its clay toys which are crafted intricately by the Kumbhars who belong to the Prajapati community. The practice of making these toys began and drew inspiration from the British in the first half of the last century to cater to their interest in collecting vignettes of Indian life. Made and sold […]
Oryzasative or unhusked rice has been used for making chains, figures of deities, animal figures, flowers, garlands and other objects. This painfully laborious craft – practised in some parts of Balasore, Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi in Odisha – requires meticulous attention and minute detailing. The prices levied for the products are exceeding low and not […]
Sherpai, Kunke or bowls for measuring rice are only made in Lokepur near Siuri in Birbhum district. The word is derived from ser referring to a unit of weight and pau which means a quarter in Hindi. The wood of mango, palm, sirish or shishu trees is carved to make the bowls; these are then […]
The kodali karrupur sari derives its name from the village of Kodali Karrupur, on the northern bank of the Kollidam river, in Tiruchy district of Tamil Nadu. Till the beginning of the twentieth century, Kodali Karrupur was famous for its karpur saris (as well as dhotis and furnishings); however, by the early years of the […]
Thewa is a jewelry craft practiced by a handful of artisans who specialise in the art of fusing filigreed gold sheets onto glass. The craft of thewa is practised by these hereditary artisans in the small fortified town of Pratapgarh in district Chittorgarh of south Rajasthan and Rampura in Madhya Pradesh. This unique craft uses […]
This ornate craft represents a magnificent combination of two craft forms: (1) the skill of making products – from saddles to water bottles known as kupi out of camel leather and (2) of ornamenting these products. Nakashi is an ornate lacquer work on an embossed surface, in which gold leaf and/or paint is used for […]