Date:25/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/25/stories/2008112557920200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Poompuhar bringing the best of artefacts

Staff Reporter

— Photo: R.Shivaji Rao

Deft: A craftsman demonstrating a sandalwood carving at an exhibition that opened at Poompuhar on Anna Salai on Monday.

CHENNAI: With a 10,000 square foot space artistically packed with handicrafts worth Rs.7 crore and an invaluable spirit of cultural tradition, Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai is all set to attract people with an aesthetic sense.

The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, popularly known as Poompuhar has inaugurated an exhibition ‘Best of Brass Lamps, Rosewood Panels and Sandalwood Carvings’ on Monday. The exhibition will be on till December 13.

“We have specially displayed brass lamps of various sizes and motifs. Rose wood panels, sandal wood carvings, Thanjavur Art Plates and Bronze icons are also among the exhibited handicrafts,” said S.Vargeese, Sales Manager, The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited.

A special discount of 20 per cent is offered.

Many elegant woodcrafts of craftsmen of the remote parts of the Sate including an ornamental door worth Rs.2.44 lakh are exhibited for sale.

S.S.Sangeetham, its craftsman said that it demanded 60 days of hard work to shape the teakwood door.

A national award winning miniature sandalwood carving by a craftsman M.Selvakumar of Thirumazhisai was among the handicrafts on display. “This art form involving minute sandalwood carving has been traditionally created by our family for many generations,” said Mr.Selvakumar.

“Genuine sandalwood procured from the forest department is used to create the handicrafts,” said Mr.Vargeese.

Last year the total sale of handicrafts was Rs.8 crore. This year Poompuhar expects a growth of 15 per cent. The higher sale will ensure a better future for the traditional craftsmen, according to officials.