Brass Metal Work of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad is famous for its exquisite brass ware. The different phases of production are taken care of by specialized craftspeople individually from dhaliya- the metal caster to the engravers. Articles such as paandan- containers for storing paan, hookah, decanters, vases, plates, bowls, pot holders,mirror frames and table lamps are crafted by artisans. Tools used for […]

Read More…

Camel Bone Carving of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow has been a prominent center for ivory carving. From creating court objects for the Nawabs of Awadh to carrying out the craft on furniture as initiated by the British, ivory carving has been a significant part of the craft repertoire. Due to the worldwide ban on ivory, the the craftsmen has since been carving […]

Read More…

Clay Toys of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

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 […]

Read More…

Bamboo Flute of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh

Bamboo flute is the simplest of musical instruments. Its legendary association with Lord Krishna makes it a popular Indian musical instrument. In Hindi, bamboo flute is known as bansuri which is made up of two words; baans meaning bamboo and suri that means a musical note. The Indian flute is melodious and a wide range […]

Read More…

Horn, Bone, Ivory of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow has been a prominent center for ivory carving. From creating court objects for the Nawabs of Awadh to carrying out the craft on furniture as initiated by the British, ivory carving has been a significant part of the craft repertoire. Due to the worldwide ban on ivory, the the craftsmen has since been carving […]

Read More…

Chik/Window and Door Screens and Blinds of Delhi

In the hot and dusty plains of North India, chiks have traditionally been used to keep out the dust and blinding heat of the hot summer months keeping the interiors of homes and workplaces cool. This simultaneously utilitarian and decorative product was used widely during Mughal times as screens and partitions in the zenana/women’s quarters. […]

Read More…

Chikan/White-on-White Embroidery of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Traditional chikankari was originally embroidered with white thread on muslin cloth. Gradually, other fabrics were used as the base; these included organdie, mulmul, tanzeeb, cotton and silk as well as voile, chiffon, linen, rubia, khadi handloom, terry cloth, polyester, georgette. Chikan is essentially a white-on-white embroidery, that is to say white embroidery on white fabric. […]

Read More…