Punja dhurries are one-of-a-kind rugs that are known for their beautiful design, durability and for their high quality, sturdiness, and long-lasting nature. These dhurries are handwoven and the design is perfected with the use of the Punja, a metallic claw-like tool used to beat and set the threads in the warp. Mostly made from cotton…
Tag: enviornment friendly
Spices Box: Tastes in India
One of the most common needs that have belonged to every kitchen for numerous generations to give it a powerful aesthetic statement is a spice box. No one can underestimate the importance of spices in the kitchen; therefore, these Masala boxes are a simple way to store spices such as mustard seeds, chili powder, turmeric…
Handwoven Shawls, Stoles & Dupattas
When it comes to Indian fabric and handmade crafts, every word would fall short to define the excellence of art and the artist as well. Tangaliya & Toda Fabric is a unique way of weaving with intricate textile design patterns that highlight the artists’ single-mindedness. They were enthralled by the prospect of completing their numerous…
LEATHER CRAFT
Leather craft goes way back to the Indus valley civilization where there are several references from ancient text describing the use of animal skin. The Rig-Veda mentions leather items around 3000 BC. These included bottles, and water-carrying bags called “mashaks”. In addition to leather bands, straps, laces, and similar cord-like implements, other literary references also…
Indian Fighter Kites
India has a long history with kites. Most people believe that Chinese travelers Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang brought kites to India, but kites evolved on their own in India, and today Indian kites are almost exclusively fighter kites. Tissue paper and bamboo are used to make them, and almost all Indian kites have the…
PAPER MACHE
Zain-Ul-Abidin, the eighth Sultan of Kashmir, introduced the spectacular handicraft to India from Samarqand, the city of papermaking in Central Asia. The world awes at the splendour of paper crafts that have been in existence since the 15th century. In the old days, Paper Mache was called Kari munaqqash, which translates to painted work. It…
Madhubani Art & its Significance
Madhubani paintings are one of India’s oldest and most distinctive traditional art forms. Madhubani paintings are a 2500-year-old folk art that is believed to have originated during the Ramayana, when king Janaka invited the people to photograph his daughter Sita’s wedding to prince Rama. During festivals, ceremonies, or special events, women would hand painted these…
Odisha’s Craft Heritage: Pattachitra
Pattachitra is a Sanskrit word that means “cloth” and “painting.” It is a style of hand painting that originated in Odisha in the 12th century B.C., or more than 3000 years ago, and is one of the most prominent living art forms still practiced by people in Odisha. This form of art is strongly tied…
DHOKRA : An Ancient Lost Wax Casting Technique or Cire Perdue
Under the clouds of smoke and the light emanating from the earthen lamps, amid the clay fragments and wax coils is a sculptor hovering over his lamp, building a religious image using a unique metal casting technique known as Dhokra. The dancing girl from Mohenjo-daro is not just the most famous piece of art from…
Khandua Silk Saree
The saree, India’s most prominent outfit, is worn by Indian women all over the world. These swaths of cloth, however, are more than just conventional costumes for the Indian women—and a few men—who have been enveloping themselves with silk, cotton, linen, and other fabrics for millennia. They’re national emblems, ambassadors for traditional (and cutting-edge) design…