The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Chettinad antique collection takes centre stage at expo

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Chettinad antique collection takes centre stage at expo

Staff Reporter

Handloom products from various States also on display

— Photo: K. Pichumani

Intricate Motifs: Veteran actor Manorama takes a look at a canvas painting showcased at the exhibition organised by Swadesi Khadi Bhavan in Chennai on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: Every item on display at the Chettinad antique collection stall had a story to narrate. From enamelled metal dinnerware to teakwood kitchen articles, each provided a glimpse into the lifestyle of people who had treasured them for several decades.

Showcased at the Khadi and Handicrafts Exhibition, organised by Swadesi Khadi Bhavan, the Chettinad articles, be it teakwood vegetable cutters and spoon racks or brass iron boxes, vie for attention flaunting their long history and elegance.

Saradha Rajendran, who sells such articles, said that the pieces were collected from Chettinad houses that were either sold or vacated.

Pointing out to the 80-year-old enamelled metal dinnerware, she said, “These were bought by the Chettinad people during their trips to various countries such as England, Sweden and Myanmar. Several remained as showpieces in the households.” Brass lamps of different sizes also form part of the collection.

Khadi and rural products, including handmade soaps and food items, hold a prominent place at the exhibition, which was inaugurated by veteran actor Manorama on Wednesday.

The exhibition is being held at Sankara Hall, Alwarpet.

Besides the customary products, there are pathamadai table mats and items made of cora grass and banana fibre from Sirghazi. Kashmir honey, with natural extracts of tulsi, neem and saffron, is a new addition. Orissa tribal paintings made with seashell powder and lacquer requires special mention.

A wide range of handloom products from Rajasthan, Kashmir, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh are also available in various hues and materials at the expo, in which 60 artisans from across the country are participating.

A 20 per cent rebate on handlooms and 10 per cent rebate on handicrafts are being offered.

The exhibition will be on till October 10 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

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