Every time I visit a Crafts Council Exhibition, I feel incredibly grateful that I belong to this country. It is a marvel that we worship different gods, speak different languages, look different, eat different and think different, yet there is a common thread that gathers our every difference and ties it all together.
An amazing collection of kalchattis from Namakkal
So while Presley brings beautifully handcrafted shiny black and silver grey stoneware from Manipur, Kandaswamy from Namakkal sits with his equally amazing collection of kalchettis . If there is vibrant Phulkari embroidery from the Punjab, there is Kalamkari from Andhra. Apindra Swain from Raghurajpur in Orissa has adapted the centuries-old Pattachitra art to make functional masala dabbas look like pieces of art.
Nandu Sharma with his Phad art
Nandu Sharma, a Phad artist from Bhilwara in Rajasthan, has spent hours poring over scriptures and old literature before coming up with exquisitely detailed depictions from the Ramayana, Mahaveer Purana and the Hanuman Chalisa. We have a philosophic chat, Nandu Sharma and I, about how art in many places of our country is a community affair. Walls and ceilings were painted, sculptures were rendered and breathtaking temples were erected. “The kings who patronised them are remembered but there is not a clue about the artist, sculptor or architect who created such breathtaking works of creation,” says Sharma. In the stall next to his hang beautiful Pichwais, also from Rajasthan, yet so different in appearance to Phad art. Saanjhi, Gond art, miniature paintings, art using semi-precious stones... everywhere you turn there is a work of art staring you in the face.
Mithu Rani Jana from Bengal showing off a grass mat
Alok Kumar Jana and Mithu Rani Jana have come all the way from Midnapore in West Bengal. They caught the train from Kharagpur to get here. They both weave grass mats. And so exquisitely do they do so that Alok Kumar has won the National Award for his craft in 2008 and Mithu was accorded National Merit in 2007. I see the rich cream-coloured mat that won Alok Kumar his award. It feels like a dream and looks spectacular. It also costs around ₹50,000. But there are other mats almost as beautiful. And made contemporary with modern motifs. Besides floor mats, there are table mats, runners and even window curtains. Some mats are foldable for easy transportation. “We have to innovate to suit modern requirements,” say the couple.
Then there are those who are doing everything they can to preserve age-old craft. Like Vibha Mitra who has a store called Qissaa in Kolkata and works with handlooms. She also works with old fabrics and restores them to their original grandeur. She feels very strongly about preserving “our proud heritage,” she says. “Working with odds and ends and bits and pieces, I speak of the legends of the Indian artisan.”
Several people at the fair have devoted themselves to keep the stories of artisans alive. The Potter’s Shed from Kodaikanal has glazed pottery that will warm the cockles of your heart. What is more, they say, they also help disadvantaged children in Kodai. Prerna Singh, wife of an Air Force officer, designs silver and semi-precious jewellery that is modern but has its roots in Indian motifs.
A metal worker from Kutch holds aloft bells in various shapes and sizes
A metal worker from Kutch holds aloft bells in various shapes and sizes. They are rustic and irresistible as they make the most melodious music as only cow bells can!
On the opposite side, the distinct embroidery of the Todas in cream, red and black beg for attention on luggage tags, mobile pouches, cushion covers and bags. There are edgy and fashionable bangles and necklaces, earrings and anklets, sling bags and slippers — all carrying bits of Indian art on them. A potter and a lac bangle maker are awaited impatiently. They will hold live demos of their craft.
Colours of India (Clockwise from far left) Metal bells from Kutch, Grass mats from Midnapore, Phad art from Bhilwara, the golden dolls of Panruti, the kalchettis of Namakkal, and painted birds from Raghurajpur
And, the Crafts Council ladies draw your attention to a special entry this year — the Panruti Golden Dolls. They are kept in a special display and Radha Prasad of CCTN explains why. “These are traditional dolls given at weddings. They are made at Panruti, near Cuddalore, with the soil that is special to that place. It is fertile and pliable soil rarely found elsewhere. At one time kings patronised these terracotta doll makers. The dolls makers were given a gold wash. It is a lost art and we scouted around before we came across only a couple of people who still know a little bit about the art.”
Check it out
The Crafts Bazaar is on till August 2 from 10.30 am to 8.00 pm at Suguna Kalyana Mandapam, Avanashi Road
