Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

`Cottage Mela' showcases skills of artisans from across the country

Staff Reporter

The exhibition is on till March 12

EXQUISITELY MADE: Archana Ramasundaram, Additional DGP (Economic Offences Wing) tries out a necklace at `Cottage Mela' hosted by the Central Cottage Industries Corporation on Friday. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Several surprises await visitors to the `Cottage Mela' being held at Sankara Hall, Alwarpet.

Colourful handmade ceramic wares lined up at the entrance are micro-oven friendly, says Shahid Khan, pointing out Khurja pottery, a famous art in Uttar Pradesh. Exquisite flower vases, coffee mugs and `katoris' are priced at Rs.12.

A 3-foot flower vase with intricate painting works, priced at Rs.900, would make a good choice for drawing rooms.

Being hosted by Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India, the exhibition has brought about 20 artisans from across the country under one roof.

Inaugurated on Friday by Archana Ramasundaram, Additional Director-General of Police (Economic Offences Wing), it showcases brilliant craftwork of Dhokra metal carving by the tribals of Madhya Pradesh and Worli painting of Maharashtra. The framed handiwork's price starts at Rs.550.

The expo features rosewood items and `Shekawati' furniture from Delhi. Rajasthani artisans' skills reflect in `ari' and `banjara' works and `pichwai' paintings.

West Bengal stalls present terracotta jewellery and wind chimes besides traditional handlooms. Replica of Ravi Varma, Madhubani and Tanjore paintings are a treat to the eyes.

R. Purushothaman, an artist from Tamil Nadu, says he has focussed more on heritage buildings for his paintings done with acrylic colours. He has showcased a fascinating range of frosted glass paintings. There are also Kashmiri shawls, papier mache articles, Orissa Ikkat handlooms, Banaras zari work bags and `maheswari' saris from Madhya Pradesh, whose price start at Rs.750. The expo is on till March 12 between 10.30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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