China comes to Chennai

EXQUISITE TABLE mats, bed linen, wall hangings, knife paintings, .... it is a journey through Chinese crafts heritage.

In an exhibition at Saranya Art Gallery, Kakani Towers, Nungambakkam, Delhi-based Kottons `N' Krafts has brought to Chennai some rare pieces of arts and crafts from China. Inspired by the finesse of craftsmanship, fine fabrics and reasonable pricing, Jerry Arora has, over the years been involved in creating awareness about the richness of Chinese works in the Indian metros.

The table mats, table covers (six to 12 seaters), dressing table sets, tissue box covers, sandwich wrappers, breakfast sets, trolley covers etc. come in subtle hues of pink, silvery lilac, blue and pista. Embroidery, lace work, applique... the embellishments stand out for their flawlessness. Small magazine pouches are painstakingly made with myriad patches of applique, even while maintaining their lightness. The base materials are cotton, cotton polyester, jute and even banana leaf.

If exclusivity governs your taste in interior decoration, then the collection of wall hangings is bound to beckon you. Tapestry- like, the linen for the walls come in pure silk with jaquard borders with intricate embroidery. Motifs from Nature's pulchritude, rustic life and the famous Chinese dragons executed with elan make these pieces priced Rs 1,000 onwards a connoisseur's delight. The longest one (7 ft. x 1 1/2 ft) depicts nine dragons in hazy tones of brown, grey and blue and is priced Rs 3,600.

The bed linen section includes appealing bed spreads and cushion covers in cotton, cotton-polyester and silk. The colour schemes are subtle and the workmanship is traditional. The bed spreads range from Rs 3,500 onwards. The exclusive silk ones priced around Rs 10,000 are ideal for ostentatious homes.

Typical Chinese fans (Rs. 400 onwards), knife paintings, cork artefacts, blow painted works, layered fish bone crafts, figurines, jade wall hangings and much more are part of the ethnic collection. The range of evening bags (Rs. 700 onwards) in sequin, lace and bead work is another attraction.

What is remarkable about Chinese crafts is its durability despite the delicate fabrics and labyrinthine craftsmanship.

The exhibition is on till April 15.

T. KRITHIKA REDDY

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