If one is looking for unusual artefacts, here are a few conversation pieces. An 18 inch idol of Radha and Krishna in lyrical dance under a tree, carved in aventurine, a remarkable lapis lazuli Ganesha or even a labrodorite lingam reflecting all the colours of a peacock feather. At the Handloom and Handicraft Mela one can find all this and more.
There are also Lambani jewellery pieces and embroidered blouse pieces and borders which stand out amidst other tribal embroideries with their sheer colour-drenched look.
Also worth a mention is the large urli in bronze with the image of Lord Venkateswara flanked by Vaishanavite symbols of shankh and chakra and an urli celebrating bronze carvings of Dashavatara. These are collector’s items made by the talented bronze and brass artisans of Tirukoilur, whose innovations have contributed immensely to the country’s bronze and brass artisanship. Shaded terracotta urns and pots in colours of the earth and an interesting collection of textiles add value to the exhibition. The Handicraft and Handloom Mela is on till March 17 at Valluvarkottam, Nungambakkam High Road.
For those looking for jewellery, Poompuhar’s Artistic Jewellery exhibition presents affordable, artificial jewellery based on the traditional styles of Tamil Nadu and Jaipur among other states. The collection includes ear rings, pendants, bangles, neck pieces and more. For fans of beads, you’ll find plenty of those too. The exhibition is on till March 24 at the Poompuhar showroom, Anna Salai.
