Skills of artisans come forth

Splendid Choices

A handicrafts fare, called Kuteera, organised by the Crafts Council of Karnataka, is being held at Chitrakala Parishath. The exhibition has artisans from 45 crafts units across the country participating. 

A host of beautiful products like Chittara mural paintings from Karnataka, Pattachitra from Orissa, Rajasthan miniatures, Cheriyal mural paintings from Andhra Pradesh and Madhubani paintings from Bihar are featured in the exhibition.

 A wide range of unique crafts such as wood ware, painted wooden dolls from Kinhal, wood inlay, vegetable-dyed lacquer ware toys from Channapatna, stoneware from Halebeedu, terracotta, puppets and board games are also part of the exhibition. 

One can also find home-furnishing items like bedspreads, floor coverings, Masland mats from West Bengal, woollen durries from Uttar Pradesh and cotton ‘durries’ from Warangal. Home accessories like ceramics, and terracotta handmade paper products and Kondapalli toys from Andhra are the other attractions.

G Ravishankar, an artiste, is showcasing an interesting variety of products like handmade jewellery made with coconut wood, lamps made with coir and other items. “I also make candle stands, pen stands, puzzles and theme-based jewellery. The neck pieces and earrings have been made with coconut shells and have particular themes like ‘Peace’, ‘Black Forest’, ‘Pole’ star etc,” he informs.

While Radha Sullur, an artiste from Shimoga, has displayed Hase Chittara on bowls and other items, those like Veena are showcasing stone, terracotta, bamboo etc made by craftsmen from all over the country. 

“I have showpieces which can be used in the garden or at home. I have been getting a great response from the people here. There has been a continuous flow of people,” she says. Many other hand-made items like vases are selling like hot cakes and visitors were seen enquiring about the products and how they are made. 

Ankita, a visitor, says that she was unaware about many of the art forms on display. “It’s a very unique show and it’s great to see that so many artistes from different towns are participating. There is a whole range of things that have been displayed and there is a lot to choose from,” she says.

This exhibition and sale of traditional and contemporary handcrafted home-products and accessories will continue till January 18, from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.