IN TOUCH WITH ARTS AND CRAFTS

When you take a land and fill it with people who love celebrations, and whose love for colour is unparalleled, even while it is sophisticated in its simplicity, chances are you will come across a range of arts and crafts that meets with their particular needs. It isn’t an unfair assumption in the case of Rajasthan. The bazaars spill with produce, and there is a magnificent glow of colours that permeates the marts and spills over to the people themselves. There is nothing that is subtle about it either. Colours dance on textiles and fabrics, glow in between gold settings, is woven into the threads of rugs and carpets: it is a bountiful celebration where the range of materials at their command is put to amazing use.

Rajasthani crafts have emerged not as a decorative feature, but as essential parts of their lives. They took their utensils and gave them shapes and forms that were pleasing to the eye; they decorated their clothes so that, in the dull surroundings of the desert they could lend colour to its barrenness; they made paintings to honour their gods and record historic events; they decorated their damascened swords with precious stones and wore amulets of gold to war. In it all, there was an air of insouciance: we live, therefore we must do so with zest.

Not all the craft traditions of Rajasthan have originated locally. Since the trade routes lay through their kingdoms, they were able to not only learn of the development of arts in other parts of the world, but also, at will, kidnap master artisans and ensconce them in their own ateliers, adding new dimensions to their already rich repertoires. Increasing cross-fertilization with the Mughals, who in turn were inspired by the Rajputs, brought new ideas to bear on their already bursting creative wealth. There was renewed zeal with which miniature paintings were outlined, a freshness to their approach to jewellery, a sense of vigour with which they adorned themselves and their homes.

For most people, however, this sense of colour is misleading: only people from Rajasthan know its significance. The odhnis or veils of the women, for example, can be used to signify anything from status and parenthood to denoting seasons and representing regions, a tale similarly told by the turbans the mustachioed men wear, or the jewellery they sport.

Walking through the bazaars in Jaipur, for example, is an amzing experience: silver ornaments sold by the kilos, fistfuls of semi-precious and stones offered off pave-ments, mountains of hand-block printed fabrics piled up in shops, quilts strung up to hang, as colourful as the veils fluttering in the adjoining store, rows upon rows of terracotta pots, evenly arranged pairs of embroidered shoes, piles of embroidered shoes, piles of paintings, and amazing heaps of wood and metal crafted objects piled into incredible pyramids…this is a medieval bazaar come to life and bursting with the passion with which the people of this state lead their daily lives.

ANTIQUITIES

Though not all of them actually qualify as antiques, and many in fact are new, these are objects of daily use that exercise a fascination among most urban visitors. They can be found in small shops in places all over Rajasthan, as well as in large handicraft stores, and are part of the landscape of the state.

Of course, for most it would be impossible to think of ‘using’ them in their homes, but they do make attractive, decorative objects. Take the large oil jars for example: they are cylindrical, slim, and look like they’re straight out of Alibaba’s adventures. In Rajasthan, they’re still used for storing oil, their shape appropriate for hitching on to a camel’s side. Often, these are also painted in the pichwai style, with scenes of lovers. Made of iron, they are available in a variety of sizes. While not a typical souvenir, it is often bought simply because it looks attractive, or for use as a planter.

Similarly, various kitchen utensils, votive objects, even camel saddles, from the basis for a discovery of objects that link the Rajasthani way of life with their immediate surroundings.

TEXTILES

 

ALL THE COLOURS OF RAINBOW

Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range of dyed and block-printed fabric, which are further embellished by embroidery. Stunning, unusual combinations of scarlet and shocking pink, purple and orange, turquoise and parrot green, saffron and crimson, shot with gold and silver steal the limelight.

Rajasthan is the heartland of hand-block printing. Sanganer is Jaipur is virtually flooded with block makers and printers. The art of Khari or overprinting in gold is also practiced here. Today, traditional vegetable and mineral dyes are gradually being replaced by chemical ones.

The town of Bagru excels in delightful circular designs in dark glowing vegetable colours printed on bedspreads, table linen and clothes. Textiles printed here have won the hearts of millions at home and abroad.

The red, black and olive green, mosaic like patterns of the Jajams of Chittaurgarh are used for women’s skirts & wraps and floor coverings.

Heart-warming textiles, dyed in the bandhani or tie & dye style reign supreme in Rajasthan. The art of bandhani is a highly skilled process. Different methods are used to tie the fabric into small points producing different patterns like Lahariya, Mothda, Ekdali and Shikari. The best bandhani work comes from Sikar and Jodhpur, while Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara are the other centers.

The women of Rajasthan have mastered the art of embroidering fabrics. Embroidery practiced in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The women of Sikar and Jhunjhunu specialize in making patterns of animals. Chain stitch is popular in Alwar. Dancing figures, flowers and peacocks are the favourite motifs. Women of Barmer use mirrors, thus enhancing the beauty of the embroidered piece.

In applique, different pieces of cloth are patched together to make a multi-coloured mosaic. The exotic colours, shapes and pattern combinations against constrasting backgrounds catch the eye.

PAINTINGS

 

BRUSHSTROKES OF IMAGINATION AND DEVOTION

An irresistible buy are the paintings of Rajasthan. The paintings done in inimitable styles and colour rendering are so distinctive that they catch the eye and touch the soul.

Rajasthan has many schools of paintings having their own distinct styles, well known among them being Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Kishabgarh, Dhundhur and Alwar. The Miniature Paintings of Rajasthan which had flourished under princely patronage are still reproduced and descendants of the original craftsman continue to produce miniature masterpieces, retaining their classic elegance. They are often made on hand-made paper and mythological themes from Ramayana, Krishna Lila, Ragamala and Geet Govinda are commonly used. In the paintings, vividly rendered are hills, valleys, gardens, palaces, court scenes and religious processions.

Popular are the Phad paintings which are predominantly red and green scrolls depicting the life of the local hero Pabuji. They are made by the Joshis of Shahpur, near Bhilwara, and are now available in smaller panels portraying single incidents or characters from the epics. Pichwais are cloth paintings depict Lord Krishna, as Shrinathji in different moods. They are done in dark rich hues and have deep religious connotations. All over Rajasthan one can see brightly coloured Murals depicting folk processions and battles. The Frescoes of Shekhawati are world renowned and the region is popularly termed as an “Open Air Art Gallery”. Today the tourist can take home a piece of this art and decorate their walls at home, for these traditional murals have been recreated in paper and also in cloth.

JEWELLERY

 

SPARKLING TREASURES FROM THE LAND OF ROYALTY

The craftsmanship of the jewelers of Rajasthan is renowned all over. Silver is more commonly worn by the rural women and is certainly more affordable for a shopper, although for the dedicated collectors, goldwork of the highest quality is also available. Even the men in Rajasthan wear elaborate jewellery, perhaps even a bold earring dangling down.

Bangles are a special attraction of Rajasthan. Lac bangles are believed to be worn as a sign of good omen and are available in many colours & designs. Glass bangles, made in great variety in Jaipur & Jodhpur, are perennially in demand and are available in most parts of the state.

Kundan and enamel jewellery has been a speciality of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. The designs are mostly exquisitely entwined flowers and birds and sometimes human and animal figures.

Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enamelling. This traditional art of Meenakari is also done in Nathdwara.

The thewa work of Pratapgarh is highly exquisite and popular. In this technique, desighns are enameled in gold on a glass base. The base used is generally green or red in colour.

Precious and semi precious stones

Shining gems that dazzle the eyes and steal the heart away

Rajasthan has rich deposits of precious and semi precious stones such as emerald, garnet, agate, amethyst, topaz and lapis lazuli. The various precious stones are given an iconography, symbolic of the Hindu gods as well as the nine planets of the Indian astrological system. Each gem is believed to have inherent powers and some of them are worn in rings and other jewellery as lucky charms.

The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur also carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. For the stylish tourist, intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.

FLOOR COVERINGS

 

TREAD ON ENCHANTED GROUND

Rajasthan’s Floor Covering industry has been revitalized to suit the needs of the modern buyer and Rajasthani Carpets are making headway in markets not only in India but abroad as well.

Skilled artisans had been summoned from Heart (Afghanistan) by Raja Man Singh I of Amer to train the local workers and at present Jaipur and Bikaner are prominent centers of carpet weaving. The carpet desighns are mostly based on Persian and Caucasian styles. Peacocks and flowers are the popular motifs as well as landscapes and geometric designs.

Rajasthani Namdas are woolen druggets decorated with embroidery and appliqué work. Namdas produced at Tonk are in great demand. Also available are traditional cotton carpets called Durries, which are hand-woven with geometric patterns and repeating colours. 

METALWARE

 

SYMPHONIES IN METAL

The metal ware comprises of artistic brassware, enameled, engraved and filigreed cutwork on silver. Apart from jewellery, the silversmiths make beautiful boxes, trays, small statues of Krishna, Ganesh, and ornamental birds, horses and elephants, enameled as well as plain. Traditional silver articles like handas, spice bottles and baskets command sizeable export markets. Highly ornamented hilts and scabbards of swords and daggers are also crafted.

Brass enameling is an art form in itself with three different styles- chikan, marori and bichi, each with its own repertoire of traditional motifs and designs.

Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to highlight the engraving on beaten brassware.

Koftagari or damascene work is mostly practiced in Alwar and Jaipur. In this, one metal is encrusted into another in the form of inlaid wiring. Popular articles include swords, daggers, paper knives and shields.

TERRACOTTA

 

EARTHEN DELIGHTS

Rajasthan’s Terracotta tradition, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, continues today in all parts of Rajasthan. Utility items like jars, water pots, urns, and utensils are prepared from unglazed red terracotta and exhibit miraculous elegance despite their simplicity. Images and plaques of Hindu deities, mounted warriors, caparisoned camels and tiny lamps are to name a few of the popular terracotta creations.

BLUE POTTERY

Jaipur is the home of glazed Blue-Pottery which has its origins in Persia. Its distinctive feature is that no clay is used. It is made out of a mixture of Fuller’s earth, Quartz and Sodium Sulphite. Tha special turquoise blue colour comes with the addition of Copper Sulphate and the deep blue from Cobalt Oxide. The blue-pottery articles like flower vases, pots and jars, surahis, lamp stands and even doorknobs, are decorated with traditional and arabesque motifs of animals, birds & flowers and are a shopper’s delight.

STONE CRAFT

 

HARD AS ROCK, SOFT AND APPEALING TO THE SOUL

Religious themes are carved in stone all over Rajasthan. The images are life-like and are skillfully sculptured in different varieties of stone. Statues of gods & goddesses, animals and human figures are carved out of white marble in Jaipur. The soft, Pink sandstone, Tamara stone and the soft Chlorite of Dungarpur are the other varieties of stones that are used for making icons, utility items, figures etc.

LEATHERWARE

 

FROM SHOES TO LAMPSHADES

The leatherwork of Rajasthan is interestingly a joint effort of the local men and women. While the men do the tanning, cutting and stitching, the women do the embroidery and ornamentation. Designs include sequin work and tassels, brass studs or machine-stitched motifs depending on the region in which the leather article is produced. Pick up leather shoes, sandals, water bags, fans, pouches, saddles and even musical instruments.

Jaipur and Jodhpur are traditionally known for their footwear. The popular jutis come with artistically embroidered uppers. They are incredibly sturdy and long lasting and although somewhat uncomfortable for the first few days, they fit like a glove after they are worn for some time.

Bikaner is known for its painted perfume bottles, water jugs, vases and lampshades made from camel hide. Today, designer handbags with graphic embroideries also make a good buy.

TOYS & DOLLS

 

WANT TO OWN A SOUVENIR OR PLAYMATE

Toy makers of Jaipur make elephants and horses of stuffed cloth, decorated with tinsel & embroidered fabric. Papier-mache birds and animals are available in different sizes and colours and make an interesting buy. Soft tinted clay toys are produced in Merta and Nagaur district. Toys and statuettes inspired by local legends are also available. Udaipur is famous for its wooden toys. Don’t forget to buy Rajasthani puppets which are eye-catching and expressive because of their exaggerated eyes and brightly coloured dresses.

FURNITURE

 

BRING HOME THE TRADITION OF RAJASTHAN

Decorate your home like a palace or haveli. The furniture of Rajasthan displays grandeur and elegance. The carved and decorated chests, chairs, cradles and low tables & stools are simply a steal. Each object is desirable whether inlaid with brass sheet work or painted with dancing figures or embellished with hunting scenes. While Ramgarh, Shekhawati and Bikaner are known for their carved wooden doors & chairs, Tilonia furniture stands out for its fine embroidery work done on leather. Patra furniture, which is plated with white metal, has carved out its own market niche.

WOODCRAFT

 

WOOD TO SUIT YOUR MOOD

Sandalwood carvings come in a range of objects and themes. The choice is so varied that it is difficult to choose, whether it’s the desert caravan with tiny camels, or Lord Krishna playing the flute in a divine mood, or nymphs in aesthetic dance poses. For the budget shopper, also available in fragrant sandalwood, are key chains, paper knives and trinket boxes. The minutely carved wooden blocks used for textile printing are so exquisite that they are highly in demand and are often converted into doorknobs or bookends.