Kantha, Kanthas Kantha The name ‘Kantha” or ‘Kanthas” has many regional variations Katha, Kheta, etc. It is a form of hand embroidery on a piece of cloth with the help of a needle. It is a ancient fold art of India, particularly popular in the Bengal region of India. History of Kantha The…
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Kantha Embroidery of Bengal Bengal has an old tradition of Kantha embroidery. Kantha Embroidery of Bengal has enjoyed international repute for the fineness of the muslins woven in Dacca. With exquisite names like Running Water these were woven plain or patterned with thicker threads of white cotton providing opaque patterns on the fine ground.…
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Ivory carving in India Ivory carving is one of the oldest crafts of India. The relics of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro unearthed finely carved ivory pieces. The artisans of Harappa had high degree of perfection. There are several occasion in Indian history that proves that ivory was a legendary merchandise. The Ivory carving of…
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Information on Nakshi Kantha (Folk Art of Bengal) Nakshi Kantha Nakshi Kantha, also known as Nakshi Katha, is the popular hand embroidery art form of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Meaning The word ‘nakshi’ derives its origin in the Bengali word ‘naksha’. ‘Naksha” means design or pattern. The name ‘Kantha” is the needle embroidery…
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Indian Clay Pottery (Bengal Handicraft) Clay pottery is an ancient craft in India. The art of Clay Pottery grew along with the Civilization. Thus, the history of clay pottery is as old as the history of human civilization. Pottery has a unique tempting appeal. Its association with religion and usage in religious ceremonies…
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Importance of Indian Conch Shell Conch Shell is also known as Sankha in India. It has been related with Hindu tradition and has important place in Indian Culture since time immemorial. During the period of Gupta Empire, the conch shells were used as a war horn. Lord Krishna used to appear in the…
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Embroidery of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Embroidery The Tamil Embroidery, pieces of felt in muted colors are used in combination with strong dark colors to create a powerful effect which is strong and bold but never gaudy. In many pieces the embroidery designs are attached to the base material with a fine band…
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Embroidery of Orissa Embroidery in Orissa (Odisha) is used primarily in articles relating to religious observances. The embroidery work has evolved around temples—in Orissa around the famous temple of Jagannath at Puri and in Tamil Nadu in Thanjavur, the city noted for its temples and religious rituals. Articles required for use in temples…
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Clay Dolls The clay dolls and toys occupy an vital place in clay craft of India, particularly West Bengal. This craft can be grouped under numerous separate categories. The sole purpose of children is to use these clay dolls as a play thing. These mostly reflect the condition of human daily life. These…
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Chamba Rumal – Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh is famous for Chamba Rumal embroidery. The Chamba Rumals are made of fine cotton or muslin and are embroidered with silk and sometimes with silver and silver gilt wire. It is presumed that the subjects were drawn in outline by the women themselves. However,…
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