It is time again for Chennai's annual rendezvous with craft, craftsperson and creativity under the handcrafted stone ceiling of Valluvar Kottam. Crafts Bazaar, organised by the Crafts Council of India is a many hued and many textured experience with 150 artisans from different parts of the country, many of them masters in their field, participating. They literally spread out a “feast” of their handcrafted products, each a reflection of a brilliant tradition and evolving cultural mediums.
Cotemporary trends
Ecologically sensitive, most of the products meld traditional skills with contemporary trends. As in the stunning leaf motif done in the Madhubani art in the jute, thread and bead embroidery or the exquisite Karimnagar silver filigree jewellery and artefacts.
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Tribal jewellery from Nagaland, Gond tribal art and iron animals, lamps and figures from Chattisgarh vie for attention with tribal abstract figures from Orissa and dhokra ware from West Bengal.
Wafting the fresh fragrance of grass and reeds are West Bengal's Sitalpati and Tamil Nadu's Pattamadai mats done in soft vegetable hues. Also, look out for Manipur's lovely chiks and attractive brooms and mats from Madhya Pradesh.
There are plenty of gift options. One could choose from a dazzling array of painted woodwork panels and icons from Tamil Nadu, traditional and ‘designer' brass work from Moradabad, Chennapatna vegetable dyed toys and lifestyle items, leather puppets and perforated lampshades and wall hangings done in lyrical colours, compelling clay masks and much more.
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Wooden blocks embellished with brass edging, Kutch embroidered bags, wooden combs shell handicrafts, artificial flowers and rosewood mandaps… The range on display defies imagination and description. Beautifully made stone products and icons, Kerala's mural paintings on bamboo and lac bangles are other options.
The textile artisans at the bazaar showcase a staggering variety of weaves and textures, embroideries and embellishment work. Mangalgiri, Bandhej, Kota, tussar, tribal weaves, Aashavali, ikat, khadi saris… the range represents the finest of the country's weaves. Add to them the magical touch of Kalamkari, and one has a treasure to choose from. Rare tie and dye Sungudi saris from Madurai and Ajarakh saris and yardage are also available.
Perhaps more than one visit with the Crafts Bazaar will be required to do justice to the crafts. But when you are done, you will do well to walk out in a pair of embroidered jhutties, Kolhapuri chappals or jute footwear.
At the Crafts Bazaar, the artisans sell directly to the customer. Crafts Bazaar is CCI's joint programme with the Office of the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The bazaar opens today and concludes on October 17. At Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam.