India
is the land of arts and crafts- This cliche never grows old. And candidly
speaking, why would it? We as a nation
have forever been enchanted by art patrons and blessed with inspired variegated
artists. Every time when we think about purchasing that Van Gogh for the front
alley, there is a part of us that races back to the Bastar arts and cave
paintings. After all, Indians always be Indians! So liberating our appetite for
these marvel tapestries and timeless sculptures, let us reminisce some
evergreen arts and crafts down the lane. With such a colossal treasure of
crafts at our disposal, it will be a good idea to explore some of the highlights
regionally.
Durgi Stone Craft- Durgi village is a
profound cultural heritage thriving in Andhra Pradesh. The village has secured
a dot in the global maps through the commendable stone crafted artifacts, which
have been the legacy of people of this village for generations. Sculptors make
simple, utilitarian items these days generally found in the form of lampshades
and paperweights. These stone crafts are the best general replacements for all
the jejune table elements you have probably grown tired of.
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Bastar Arts of Chhattisgarh- Bastar art is one broad
term used for a cornucopia of countless craft patterns. The Bastar art of the
tribes of Chhattisgarh, spruces up your house and gives it a new antique look.
Delicate bamboo baskets can effectively replace the redundant glass bowls on
the coffee table. Bell metal works, popularly known as Dhokra, are lustrous handicrafts
made using brass and bronze. These tiny sculptures include quotidian items like
toys, figurines, candle stands etc. Clear your bleary eyes, may be your sconce
needs a change now!
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Seashell Craft of Goa- Say Goa and you immediately
get a mirage of beaches and seashore in your mind. Fair enough, Goa is a
paradise of vast stretching sea beaches after all. And while we are talking
Goa, how can we forget the seashell crafts! Craftsmen collect sea shells and
then carve the most amazing and invigorating designs out of them. Chandeliers,
ashtrays and lamp shades can definitely try a new look with these handicrafts.
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Wood Carvings in the great North- Jammu and Kashmir have
showered India with the elite walnut wood carving. Walnut wood, which is
readily available in this region, is considered the best for carvings because
even after excessive intricate work it retains it’s strength. The most
magnificent use of these carvings is the decoration of ceilings. These wood
carvings give the ceiling a refreshed new look and cater an exquisite change
from the conventional false ceiling these days.
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Beaux Art of the Seven Sisters- The seven north eastern
states have their own vivid and dexterous heritage of art and craft. Handlooms
of Tripura are one of their kind boasting horizontal and vertical stripes with
scattered embroidery in different colors. Just skim through a few of these
hand woven quilts, pillow covers and curtains and I can guarantee that you will
never go back to those sequin works again. Nagaland has it’s share of earthen
pots which are made without the use of wheel and the accessories that accompany
the pots which are all made from the most bizarre things from bird wings to
beads. These out of the box decorations guarantee a wow factor for your little
house. Manipur can be attributed with it’s mats made of spongy reeds. These
mats can easily find a place in your house as they are both aesthetically
pleasing and easily maintainable.
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Filigree and Applique works- As far as arts and crafts
are concerned, Odisha is at loggerheads with the rest of the country. These
appliqué works are basically the sketches of animals, birds, flowers etc
arranged geometrically and worked on flaring colours of fabric. Applique
Chharis (umbrellas) can be used as garden umbrellas in sprawling lawns, lending
both grace and colour to the setting. Filigree or silverware work of Odisha echoes
across the nation. The artisans shape out intricate designs out of tiny slivers
of silver. These comprise everyday products ranging from vermillion receptacles
to decorative showpieces. The end product is simply a feast for the eyes.
Filigree can give your house a showpiece makeover!
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Ivory Paintings of Rajasthan- Ivory bangles and paintings
have been an integral part of the Rajasthani heritage for decades. Ivory is
inlaid and shaped into intricate items of beauty and miniature paintings are
also carved out of the same. Ivory adds an element of royalty to your haven.
For those of us who are not a part of the royal families, atleast we can
cherish our share of elite lifestyle this way!
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Tanjore Paintings of Tamil Nadu- India is a complete land in
itself, ergo, it has something to offer for every kind of denizen. For the
spiritual people out there, Tanjore Painting has to be your pick of decor.
Tanjore paintings of Tamil Nadu trace their roots to the golden era in the 18th
century in the Gupta Empire. The paintings are known for their grandeur arising
from the adornments of semi precious stones, pearls, glasses and even gold. The
rich vibrant colours and artistic work characterize these paintings. They are
mostly manifestations of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses and are a must-keep
for all the ‘slightly spiritual’ decorators. I mean when spirituality meets style
you can’t ask for anything more!
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