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Astonishing artefacts

Every object showcased here is an amalgam of superior craftsmanship and skills

CRAFTS GALORE Artefacts from different states on display

Artistically carved Lord Ganesha on granite stone and a row of crafted artefacts greet the visitors at the entrance. The intoxicating fragrance of sandalwood gives a soothing effect to the tensed mind. And the myriad hues all around beckon you towards the shopper's paradise.

If you are a handloom and crafts junkie and frequented every handicrafts expo in the city, chances are that you will come across the same products at the on-going handloom and handicrafts expo of Kalasrusti at T.T.D. Kalyanamandapam. But this time you may find wide selections to choose from. Sourced from well-known as well as remote craft pockets of the country, every object showcased here is an amalgam of superior craftsmanship and skills as well as innovative design brilliance.

For starters at the doorway are terracotta masks from Bengal and Orissa, which is a must for all mask maniacs. The abounding art forms from the land of the Sun God are a part of the expo and enthrall one and all. The intricate palm-leaf engravings focusing on mythology and kamashashtra tell a thousand tales. The tussar paintings or patta chitra have a prowess to doll up the house. The bamboo frame lends them a rich look. You can also indulge in furnishings in appliqué work and palm leaf bookmarks.

Photos: K.R.Deepak

Those who wish to get a feel of the rich craft traditions of our country will be delighted to see the range of ethnically embellished saris and dress materials on display. 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.

Then you could invest in the antique look of a wooden rickshaw or the little iron boxes and the wooden drishti mask with an antique finish would add a touch of class to any wall. From Kondapalli, the intricately detailed natural figures depicting different trades in village life each are wonderful buys.

Indeed, in spite of all that is written and said and seen of the beauty, intricacy and uniqueness of Indian crafts, the sheer variety and vibrancy of this art form, consistently astonishes one and all.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

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