Wizardry with wood and cane

POOMPUHAR'S ``GIFT FAIR'' captures the variety and charm of India's craft culture in its attractive spread of handcrafted artefacts and gift items drawn from various parts of the country. The choice of gift items on display is eclectic, ranging from priceless Chola bronze figures and icons to brass lamps, sandalwood, rosewood and white cedarwood artefacts, Tanjore and glass paintings as well as a variety of lifestyle articles in wrought iron, brass inlay, wooden boxes, cane and bamboo craft items etc. There is a gift to suit every pocket too, from very pretty cane decorative items or finely crafted trays for less than Rs. 100 to priceless bronze icons from Swamimalai.

Intricately carved silver coated white metal jewel boxes and office organisers catch the eye at the `Gift Fair'. Perfect gifts for the New Year are sandal and whitewood carved figurines, boxes and pencil stands, as well as a smart array of wrought iron lamps, candlestands, trays, etc., from Delhi and U.P. Attractive `jaali' work `Nagina' wooden artefacts from U.P. with minimal brass inlay work is another unusual craft gift item on display at Poompuhar's exhibition, along with small softstone icons from Mahabalipuram and marble dust figurines.

However, the irresistible pieces at `Gift Fair' are the beautifully crafted cane and bamboo items brought by the Tripura Handicrafts Development Corporation to Chennai.

The cane and bamboo artefacts and lifestyle items range from finely crafted `moorhas' and cane chairs to bamboo mugs, trays, candlestands, room dividers, screens and a wealth of knicknacks. Very attractive and appealing, Tripura handicrafts showcase the amazing weaving and basketry skills of the region.

Poompuhar's `Gift Fair', which is on at Rajaji Hall, Anna Salai, concludes on December 31.

PUSHPA CHARI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Next     : Compassion was his watchword