Paper redefined

,Handicrafts displayed at HANDICRAFT HANDLOOM EXHIBITION, at Sankara Hall, in Chennai. Photo: R. Ravindran

Browsing around ‘Crafts Fair’ can throw up some ingenious surprises ranging from the current and innovative to the old and antique. Paramparik artisan and non-traditional young crafts persons have delved into new formats and medium or redefined old products to create a new craft item.

Janak Singh of Rajasthan has used Phad painting skills to create a Portuguese sideboard painted with pretty pink and orange roses and vine on the carved doors and reproductions of mellow Rajput and Mughal miniature art on the top surface.

Munna , from an Odisha potter’s family, has painted clay jewellery that would add up as a perfect accessory for a couture outfit or a sari. Munna creates both traditional and contemporary jewellery in the poetic of colours.

Minimalistic paper jewellery made by young

Laila and Vignesh includes a striking range of trendy jhumkas, necklaces and brooches crafted out of quilting paper. According to the duo, “We can make a pair of earrings or jhumkas in two hours while you wait. We roll the paper into the required shape and then apply glue to give it permanence. Embroidery is done as an add-on. Once we arrive at a perfect shape, we add hooks and it’s done! The highlight is the jewellery is made according to the taste of the buyer, with respect to the choice of colour and shape.” ”

Four by two ft wall hangings which combine Benarasi weaves with bold, hand embroidery attract attention at the fair. The hand embroidery on the panels uses chain stitch to create pairs of peacocks, parrots and so on.

Saura paintings and dhokra work panels from Odisha, Chennapatna’s vegetable dye animals, birds and educational toys and lac bangles from Rajasthan bring colour to the fair. Compelling Thanjavur art frames, antique filigree work brass table, 100-year-old mirror and Rajasthan furniture items with ancient patinas are also on display.

Wedding shopping gets yet another ‘designer’ angle at the crafts fair! Pandurang and Vanadaksha have on offer ‘Kasi yatra’ umbrellas, embellished with zardosi motifs and silver trimmings, which have been crafted by Vanadaksha.

The Handicrafts Fair is on at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, till June 27.