Collage of crafts

Artefacts from across the country are on show under one roof at Velachery

REPLICA OF REAL LIFE One of the exhibits at the Crafts Fair

It's a riot of colour at Sirpi's "Crafts Fair", currently on at PSK Bhooshanam Mahal, Velachery. The exhibits, sourced from different parts of the country, present a fascinating crafts collage comprising exquisitely sculpted and painted wooden panels and wall brackets, rosewood inlay furniture, designer terracotta urns and dhurries.

While craftsperson Kumar's lyrically painted bird and yaali wall brackets create surreal splashes on walls, the walnut sofa sets, beds and dining room furniture from Kashmir enhance the beauty of interiors.

Also on view are the unusual moulded brass icons and artefacts from Aligarh, sheesham wood furniture with delicate inlay work from Saharanpur, phad and gem paintings from Rajasthan, tiny stone artefacts from Pondicherry and beautifully handcrafted tableware and vases.

Textiles too

Besides, textiles and saris from Orissa, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are available at purse-friendly prices. And don't miss the phulkari dupattas and embroidered jutties from Punjab, which are not often seen in the city.

In fact, the Crafts Fair itself is the first of its kind being held in the area (Velachery), giving the residents a rare opportunity to shop at a nearby venue.

The fair, organised by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Industrial Co-operative Marketing Federation, is on till May 9.

PUSHPA CHARI

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