Treasures from the past

ART AND CRAFT collector Lily Vijayaraghavan's Kerala craft collection is mesmerising. The purity of line, curve and concept, and the fluid shapes in metal, stone and wood reflect a rich and unique culture. Each exquisite piece - from rare polychrome wood panels to Ayurvedic medicine bottles in deepest blue - reflects the pride and passion of the craftspersons. It is a passion matched by the collector's interest in the craft objects of Kerala, which, according to her, "have immense beauty in their simplicity without an elaborate pattern." Her search has taken her to remote corners of Kerala, into alleyways and homes from where she has built up her collection.

Walk into her lawn and a graceful 6 ft tall bell metal lamp with branching 'diyas' greets you along with an old urli filled with frangipani flowers. Inside, an ornately bejewelled mortar and lime Lakshmi sends auspicious vibes and a range of breathtaking bell metal hanging lamps festoon the wall. As rare as the Bhagwati hanging lamps are their fantastically crafted chains. Lily's lamp collection includes a one-of-its-kind Krishna lamp with an unusual base and 'Vanchi' boat lamps.

Scattered all over Lily's home are rare craft objects - pretty turned wood and vegetable dyed 'dowry boxes' with exquisite hinges, banana leaf brass 'thals', a nice little wooden paandan polished to a metal gloss. A fabulous old salt and pepper set shaped like twin birds confers special grace to an antique sideboard, and there is a cosmetic container for the goddess featuring a pair of containers.

Kerala's distinct cultural and craft identity can be seen in bell metal 'sasthas' as well as a set of brass breast plates worn by men as part of the Bhagvati puja ritual. Equally beautiful are a pair of bell metal 'meditation mirrors,' embodying a tantric concept. But the prize of the collection is the polychrome wood cut panels and artefacts. Especially beautiful is a delicately carved panel depicting "Ramapattabhishekham" with Rama in a Kathakali style costume and headgear. The piece painted with soft vegetable dye is a statement of style. Originally hung over the entrance of Kerala homes, such polychromes are now part of history, both the craft and craftsmen having vanished from the cultural scene. Another arresting polychrome piece is a subtly coloured vibhuti holder in the shape of a magnificent Garuda...

Rarity, one-of-its-kind appeal, exquisite craftsmanship, history - Lily Vijayaraghavan's Kerala collection combines all this and more. She scrutinises each piece before she puts it into her collection. Says Lily: "When I find a piece. I want to know about its history, function, etc. My search is like a treasure hunt." Does she have plans to share her knowledge and her collection of Kerala crafts with the general public? "A book is on the cards," says Lily. "Meanwhile my house is open to lovers of art..."

PUSHPA CHARI

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