KOLKATA HANDICRAFT |
West Bengal heritage of handicrafts is legendry. The exquisite texture
of Baluchari Sarees, Silk and Tasar Textile from Murshidabad, Birbhum,
Bankura, Hoogly and Nadia districts have become the Choice of the
Century. The fascinating handloom textiles of the same regions as
mentioned above are now attracting world-wide attention. Besides the
garment materials, jute products, wood and cane products, conch-shell
products, brass wares and folk dolls and handicrafts belonging to
different schools of art as Dokra art etc. Now embellish a large many
drawing rooms.
The salient point, however, to be noted in this context, is that each
of these schools. In spite of their contiguity has maintained its own
distinguishing features down the ages. The handicrafts items are
widely marketed by Manjusha, a state Government owned emporia and
other establishments as well.
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Mask : The use of masks have come down from the primitive ages. The
masks generally made here are of mythological character and the
material used is paper mache painted in bright colours. They are used
for rituals and folk festivals and as decorative items for homes.
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Textile : International Textiles & Garment Fair is the
first one-stop opportunity in India for textile professionals and
exporters to discover what West Bengal has to offer. ITGF'99 - an
unprecedented, high profile extravaganza, where hundreds of weavers
and craftsmen come together to meet industry and trade participants
and interact on the intricacies of production and concepts that can
sell.
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Terracotta : This is one of the most ancient forms of art
in Bengal and the association with religion has given it a different
dimension. The traditional potters or "Khumbhakars" have been
producing domestic and decorative items by moulding dry and burnt clay
over the ages.
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Dhokra : Along with many other states, Bengal shares the
folk art of Dhokrainitially practiced by a nomadic clan. The technique
of Dhokra is "Cire Perdue" or lost wax process in which metal, mainly
brass, scrap is used. Traditional folk motifs and techniques have been
maintained.
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Rag Dolls : This
craft root from a Japanese influence, but has lately gained immense
popularity in Bengal. Made with small cloth, cotton & wool, these are
used by children and for decorative purposes.
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Cane & Bamboo : Originating in ancient Bengal, These
items find a bigger market in cities rather than villages in modern
times. the material is mainly used to make furniture and other
decorative itmes.
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Wood Carvings : Wood is widely used for making toys and
decorative panels. Kalighat dolls & Natungram wood carvings are worth
mentioning. Image made in wood relate back to traditional icons,
deities some of them stylised to a modern look.
New materials and innovative techniques are being used by the artisans
to produce useful and aesthetic products. Folk motifs and ingredients
are being effectively used for a greater market.
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