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Rajasthan Crafts
Availability of different metals and its vulnerable nature has made it the
base for a variety of decorative techniques such as inlay, metal casting,
carving, applique, etc. The scope of art metal is immense. The work done
in Moradabad, Jaipur and Delhi are representative of this.
Metal craft has also been an integral part of Indian culture. The 'lotas'
or water pitchers are found in almost all parts of the country. The 'urli',
bell-metal vessel in Kerala is a basic element of its culture. The metal
based lamps in various shapes and designs are part of the Indian traditions
and rituals. In Ladhak, decorative kitchen stoves are made purely by hand.
In South India, metal icons, especially of bronze, are believed to absorb
the charged energy of the Divine and are stored in the inner sanctum of
a temple where the icon is installed.
Blue pottery
An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji
was first introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe
of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes
are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper)
and the external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented
with other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional
floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns
are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly
the traditional ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size
for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various
accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.
Metal Craft
Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that
is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less
expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned
elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought
iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage,
than traditional.
Wooden Artefacts
Wood-sometimes plain often painted- is used to make everything from
furniture to artefacts.While the furniture ranges from the made-as old
that is such a range all over the world, its contemporary variants include
chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved
cabinets.
Artefacts include a range of animal -horses ,elephants, parrots- that
are beautifully painted as well as boxes, chests snuff boxes and other
interesting paraphernalia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or
guardians of the doors.
Leatherware
The hides of dead animals is used by skilled cobblers for Jooties
(foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jooties reflect
the unique style of every district they belong to. It is amazing how the
leather is beaten, tanned and dyed and put to the best use. The leather
is punched and gouged to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered
with woolen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer is
famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli), stringed
instruments (Kamayacha) made out of leather. Bikaner is best known for
painted Lampshades, shields, vases, Mojharies made out of camel hide.
Hard Bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries
are from Tilonia.
Metal Craft
Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that
is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less
expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned
elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought
iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage,
than traditional
Stone Carving
White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything
is used to make elegant statuary, idols, figurines, carved panels, even
elaborate jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most
enduring arts that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the
state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.
Textile
The Textile of Rajasthan has a fascinating range of dyed and block
printing fabrics. Each state has its own special colour-scheme design
and technique. The various types of Textile are:-
Hand-block prints- the quilts of Sanganer, Bagru are the favourites.
Tie and dye- Bandhej, Bandani, Lehriya, Batik, Mothra, Ekdali, Shikari,
Cheent comes under this category.
Bandhej- Bandhej of Jodhpur, Sikar, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur,
Jaipur is more popular.
The lehriya is an entire line of cloth is dyed in different colours. Udaipur's
lehriya work is well known.
Samdar Lehar, Phagun are the designs to be worn in the spring season.
Textile and fabric colouring and dying can be seen at length in the communities
of Leelgarhs and Rangrez. The Chunari and Bandhej ( the art of tying a
small point on the cloth by threads and later dyed with the required colours
. After drying when opened, there is a small circle in the white splashed
around the fabric)is known as tie and dye. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner are
famous for this. In addition, the art of embellished fabrics with embroidery
using thread-work, mirror work or gold brocade is prevalent.
Block Printing in vegetable dyes is another famous art. Carved wooden
blocks soaked in different colours and pasted on the fabric. Main Market
of these products are Jaipur, Sanganer and Bagru.
Zari - Gota, zardosi, banarsi for formal and bridal ensembles, metallic
and threaded embroidery.
Paintings
Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressing than that of Rajasthan.
Tradition of painting traces back to the dawn of civilisation. Traces
of earth colour drawings on walls and intricate motifs of geometrical
and natural designs on clay vessels and potteries have been unearthed
in the proto-historic Harappan sites of Kalibangan and Peelibanga in north-western
Rajasthan. And these traditions of decorating dwellings and articles are
still alive. Rajasthan, is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting
an incredible portfolio of scenes from myth and legend to history to nature.
The variation in art of painting ranges from Wall paintings on Palaces
to huts, Miniature paintings, Phad and Pichwais. Though many use synthetic
colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes. The
cost of the painting depends on an artist's workmanship.
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