Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Alluring artefacts at Lepakshi expo

To spruce up the interiors with a touch of ethnicity, walk into the 'Crafts Bazaar'

PHOTOS: K.R.DEEPAK

SHOPPING Attractive handicrafts and a range of handlooms on display at the expo

In spite of the metropolitan musings, ethnic roots have always held an appeal with the urban masses. Amidst conceptual designs, modern hues and the rest of the contemporary approach towards interiors, urban homes still have the traditional knick-knacks. To spruce up the interiors with a touch of ethnic art, walk into the 'Crafts Bazaar', an exhibition organised by Lepakshi - Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited - at the Viswapriya Function Hall on Beach Road.

The myriad facets and moods of the country are captured here under one roof. It would be too difficult to even cursory observers to attempt at resisting the temptation to purchase the captivating products on display.

Each item, be it the traditional terracotta potware or the artistic motifs of the Kalankari dress material, reflects craftsmanship and aesthetics.

The yards of handloom fabrics woven by the modest weaver have a universal appeal with the urban populace. Kalankari with its lucid and colourful depiction of the epics and landscapes is the highlight of the expo. Material in a range of soothing colours in soft cottons is available here.

For the ensemble, check out the sarees and dress material from Bengal, Mangalagiri and Pochampalli ranging from Rs.250 onwards, and a blinding array of tops, skirts, chaniya cholis, sheets, curtains and cushion covers. Timeless cottons from Bengal are available in enticing colours and designs.

If you are a collegian looking for some neat salwaar-kameez, kurtis, shirts, junk jewellery, mirror-work and batik bags, dupattas and stoles, head to this place. Ready-to-wear cotton kurtas make easy college and work-wear, too. And they are priced at just Rs.100.

Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove of a fascinating range of art forms and traditional crafts, unique in style, theme, concept and expression. Kalamkari with its lucid and colourful depiction of the epics and landscapes, the lively Kondapalli toys, Nirmal paintings with their golden hues and the Bidri crafts with silver contours, have become extremely popular.

If you always wanted those rustic pots and terracotta stuff for your home, you must visit this expo, which brings a proliferation of clay creativity in exuberant colours.

On display is a whole range of pots, lamps, bells, idols and vases. The amber colour radiates out of the beautifully designed terracotta lampshades.

Ornament lovers can choose from the all-time favourite Hyderabadi pearls and trendy clay jewellery. An array of funky jewellery is on display right at the entrance. Check out the trendy but ethnic jute and cane neckwear and earrings of Kolkata.

More innovation awaits visitors in the form of jute and shell artefacts, wall hangings in avant garde shapes but featuring traditional motifs.

You can also choose from a variety of colourful, trendy bags and pouches in all sizes.

For all those leather freaks, there is a range of leather items varying from handbags, purses to wallets, and more.

The exhibition is on from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m till January Monday.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

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