The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Dolls for kolu and all seasons too

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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Dolls for kolu and all seasons too

Staff Reporter

Exhibition of toys inaugurated at Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai

— Photo: R.Ragu

Choice aplenty: Chettinad Vidyashram’s correspondent Meena Muthiah takes a look at the neatly lined up ‘kolu’ dolls after inaugurating an exhibition at Poompuhar showroom, Anna Salai, on Monday.

CHENNAI: Episodes from mythology and vignettes of daily life unfolded at an exhibition of toys hosted by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation in its Poompuhar showroom, Anna Salai, on Monday.

Besides an array of idols made in different medium like papier mache, wood, clay or marble and ceramic, the 15 stalls also showcase a slice of life with its collection of clay dolls from Kolkata and Rajasthan.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Chettinad Vidyashram correspondent Meena Muthiah.

Visitors could choose from a variety of dolls to adorn their ‘kolu’ during Navaratri. There are theme sets such as park set, cricket set, Dasarathar darbar set, Govardhanagiri set and Gajendra Motcham set.

Tirupathi Utsavam set priced at Rs.9,000 is one of the new addition in the exhibition.

Artisans expect that the water fountains with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha made of marble would be fast-sellers in the exhibition-cum-sale.

Sleeping baby Ganesha and idols of Guberan seated comfortably in a cushion are worth a special mention. Dancing Tanjavur dolls and rosewood ‘marapachi’ toys would bring back memories of childhood to many. Children may have their share of choice with lacquer ware and Kondapalli toys in vibrant hues.

The exhibition also offers something for decorating the drawing rooms.

Some of the eye-catching ones are those of Kolkata occupational toys such as potter and cobbler and Rajasthani musicians.

An official at Poompuhar said last year, the exhibition had generated sales worth Rs.22 lakh. A discount of 10 per cent would be offered. The exhibition would be on till October 6 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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