JOIN USHandcrafted items from Orissa
Orissa Arts and Crafts’ has come up with an exhibition in the City, which displays items handcrafted by villagers in different parts of Orissa.
The aim behind this exhibition is to promote the state’s local art. Tucked away in Jayanagar, II Block, the exhibition gives one a fresh, rural feeling with myriad goods at every stall.
Filigree, a delicate form of jewellery, which is made up of twisted threads of silver, can be found aplenty at the exhibition. In India, filigree work is done only in Kolkata and Cuttack. Locally known as tarakasi, the silver filigree of Cuttack is noted for its delicate and intricate workmanship. In fact, the filigree work at the exhibition has turned out to be quite a crowd-puller. These include rings and anklets with intricate designs and delicate silver threads. The effort that the artisans have put into creating this jewellery is evident in its beauty.
The expo also features paintings on tussar cloth and engraved bookmarks made of palm-leaf. The leaves are engraved with delicate mythological figures to depict stories from different scriptures. Some greeting cards are also made in a similar manner. The prices of the items are varied — beginning from as a little as Rs 20, some of the pieces are priced at Rs 25,000. Apart from Odissi handicrafts, art work from West Bengal, Bihar, Kashmir, Gujarat and Rajasthan are on display.
Women have a plethora of options to choose from, as the expo displays finest
ikkat-dyed saris and dress material made in the Sambalpur district of Orissa;
kurtas with block print; original kantha work; matka silk saris made in Kolkata; dokra work; Meenakari jewellery; cotton handbags from Bhubaneshwar and stone jewellery made in Rajasthan. The prices of the items vary from anything between Rs 600 and Rs 9, 000.
The expo not only has personal items, but also includes decorative goods and trinkets. Colourful vases and different wall-hangings of applique work will surely steal any visitor’s heart.
Madhubani paintings, which are created using fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens and matchsticks, are also an attractive option.
The exhibition is enjoying quite a decent crowd. Manas Acharya, the manager of the ‘Orissa Arts and Crafts’ exhibition, said, “Our aim is to make people familiar with Odissi handicrafts and provide a platform for the artisans and craftsmen of Orissa.”
Namitha R, a visitor at the exhibition, said, “There are different and interesting items here, which we don’t get elsewhere. Through such expos, we get to know about the art form in different states.” The exhibition is on till March 20.