In myriad hues

COLOUR, CHARM and impeccable craftsmanship come together in a rare selection of Indian handicrafts and textiles being showcased at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium's "The Great Indian Arts and Crafts Cottage Mela.'' Tastefully displayed in individual stalls, the "Cottage Mela'' offers top-of-the-line objects - Jaipur's blue pottery, marble inlay with semi-precious stones, intricate wood carving, traditional stone sculpture, painting, terra cotta sculpting and much else.

From an enormous serpentine stone Ganesha icon (cost Rs. 60,000) to tiny, perfectly inlaid marble coasters, the "Cottage Mela" offers a festive shopping experience to suit every pocket. Many of the items are rarely seen in Chennai, making the Mela a perfect venue to buy gifts. Some of the most eye-catching exhibits are Jaipur's blue pottery products which range from vividly patterned and attractively painted tea and coffee mugs to wall plates, bathroom accessories, planters, flower vases and so on.

Agra's exquisite craft of marble inlay can be seen in the beautiful wall hangings and artefacts, perfect give-aways from the festive season. Brass figures, icons and artefacts from Aligarh are again superbly crafted, ranging from prancing horses to deities and mythological figures, loveliest of antique-looking inkwells, candle stands etc. Terracotta figures and "diyas from West Bengal, which have a wooden finish, are another genre of craft skill on display.

There is something to charm everyone and to suit every pocket. From Orissa's wondrous red granite sculpture to lovely pipli work garden umbrellas, from well finished khadi silk shirts to vegetable dyed block prints and Gadhwal saris and from leather lamp shades to pressed flower candles...

For those looking for the unusual and the colourful, ``Cottage Mela'' offers silk and Pichwai paintings, Thanjavur art, jute wall hangings from Varanasi as well as bed spreads, cushion covers, etc. featuring block prints, appliqui and mirror work. Unusual wood carving pieces from Tamil Nadu which include "yaalis", wall brackets and hangings as well as coffee table bases are yet another attraction at the mela.

The wooden craft has a bold and compelling look with a different finish. Also on display are tiny leather picnic chairs, silver oxidised jewellery, wrought iron, coconut shell and copper enamel artefacts as well as a variety of pretty painted wooden furniture from Jaipur.

The Mela, on at the Sri Sankara Hall, 267, TTK Road, concludes on October 25.

PUSHPA CHARI

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