The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Terracotta items turn the cynosure of all eyes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Terracotta items turn the cynosure of all eyes

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Exotic blue pottery and terracotta items are becoming the cynosure of all eyes at the ongoing All India Crafts Bazaar at the Suryakanthi auditorium, Kanakakkunnu, in the city.

The hand-made blue pottery from Jaipur made out of quartz powder includes decorative as well as usable items such as wall hangers, ashtrays, teacups and painted jars.

Models of ethnic handicraft items made out of cane and bamboo from West Bengal and Assam and artefacts such as wooden partition screens, `chellappetti' `Nirapara' and jewel-boxes made of teak, sandalwood and white silver and idols of gods and goddesses are also among items that are drawing the attention of visitors. The exhibition also displays attractive terracotta garden wares, wind-chimes; hand-made bangles from Jaipur; mouth fresheners from Jaipur; traditional dancing dolls in ethic attires from West Bengal and Rajasthan; stone-studded ornaments and pearls from Hyderabad; Kashmiri outfits; printed bed-sheets from Haryana and Gujarat; and bronze lamps from Tamil Nadu.

Over 100 stalls from various parts of the country are represented at the fair.

Organised by S.M.S.M. Institute, the Central Handicrafts Emporium of Kerala Handicrafts Development Corporation, the exhibition was inaugurated by Industries Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju on January 25.

The fair is aimed at providing a venue for artisans to exhibit and sell their products without the intervention of middlemen.

Some of the other items on display include acupressure treatment aids such as balls, dumb-bells and small cubes made of wood, which are believed to help improve blood circulation; ice-cream cups, saucers, spoons, mugs and lamp-shades made of coconut-shell; non-stick candle-stands made of wrought iron; terracotta and jute bags; handloom and silk saris, Kalamkari printed garments, knit-wears, toys, furniture, wood carvings, Ravi Varma paintings and leather products.

According to the organisers, sales worth nearly Rs.1.5 lakhs takes place a day.

The crafts fair will conclude on February 15.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail