For craft lovers

ONCE AGAIN, Orissa's special craft skills, showcased at the ``Orissa Crafts Fair'' are drawing crowds at the Guild of Service, Casa Major Road, Egmore. There is a wide variety of craft items to choose from at the Crafts Fair, from pretty palm leaf greeting cards to soft stone sculptures of gods and goddesses, Orissa's famed silver filigree jewellery and some lovely dhokra work artefacts.

And of course there are beautiful ikat saris, a melange of unique craft skills and impeccable design. The vibrant colours, exquisite weaves and distinctive motifs and borders make each of the Katki, Bapta, Khandva and Sambhalpuri's ikat saris a `must have' for the craft-loving cognoscenti of Chennai. Many of the ikat saris are stunning as are the ikat dupattas and yardage.

Orissa has a rich tradition of folk painting in vegetable dyes. These can be seen in the lovely tussar and silk paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and palm leaf paintings, depicting Krishna Lila, folk lore, etc. The silk cloth, on which the vivid paintings are done are processed with tamarind paste, tree soap, stone powder and ``lal mitti'' making the painting pest proof! The plam leaf and cloth paintings are done with exquisite delicacy of stroke and brush work.

Among the other typical crafts available at the sale are the beautifully-crafted dhokrawork artefacts: boxes, stylised animal forms, traditional lamps, candle stands, coat hangers, etc. Also available are lovely ``golden grass'' place mats, applique work umbrellas, table cloth and wall hangings. The unique wooden toys make a colourful splash along with an array of terracotta artefacts and figurines.

Craftsmen are also present at the fair, holding demonstrations and giving invaluable information about their craft. The prices at the Orissa Crafts Fair are reasonable. The Crafts Fair will conclude on February 25.

PUSHPA CHARI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Sensitive portraits