Eye-catching handicrafts

An artisan dressed in Banjara outfits making a glasswork work wall-hanging.

In spite of the metropolitan musings, ethnic roots have always held an appeal with the urban populace. Amidst conceptual designs, modern hues and the rest of the contemporary approach towards interiors, urban homes still have the traditional knick-knacks.

Want to spruce up your home interiors with a touch of ethnic art, walk into the 'Crafts Bazaar-2005', an exhibition organised by Lepakshi (Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited) at the Viswapriya Function Hall on Beach Road.

The idea behind the exhibition is to promote traditional handicrafts and provide a platform for the artisans who have come from different parts of the State. The exhibition reflects the dexterity, creativity and imaginative skills of the artisans. On display is a range of soft wood toys and dolls from Kondapalli, Etikoppaka toys, metal castings, wood carvings, Bidri handicraft-penholders, flower vases, tiepins, hair clips, key chains, boxes, ceramic and terracotta pottery, amongst a variety of handicrafts.

It would be a harrowing experience even to cursory observers if they attempt to resist the temptation to purchase the captivating products on display.

A manifestation of the blend of culture and tradition is the Bidri crafts silver in-lay on metal alloy, bringing back to memory their origin in Persia and imbibing in themselves the aesthetic values of the Moghuls, in the 14th century.

Leather puppets and lampsheds from Dharmavaram, Anantpur district displayed at the Lepakshi Crafts Bazaar-2005 .-Photos:C.V.Subrahmanyam

Leather lamp-sheds made of goatskin, embossed with ethnic designs, papier mache masks are some of the things that you can pick up.

For the ensemble, check out the dress material from Mangalagiri and Chirala and the kalamkari salwar kameez priced at Rs.550. A wide range of Lucknowi kurtas, dress material and sarees are also on display.

AP is the treasure trove of a fascinating range of art forms and traditional crafts, unique in style, theme, concept and expression. Kalamkari with its lucid and colourful depiction of the epics and landscapes, the lively Kondapalli toys, Nirmal paintings with their golden hues and the Bidri crafts with silver contours, are the most sought after items.

Handicrafts and handlooms are traditional industries circumscribed by hereditary craftsmanship. The fame of the Indian artisan, craftsman and weaver has spread far and wide although the remuneration for their effort and toil is not in commensurate with their labour. Though the craftsmanship receives much appreciation, the artisans are unable to market their products.

Lepakshi was set up for the purpose of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and to provide a platform to the artisans to exhibit their products.

The exhibition will be on till Pongal from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

Photos:C.V.Subrahmanyam

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