Indian Handicrafts have made a name for themselves the world over. Ancient
skills have been honed to perfection by craftsmen who have learnt the trade
from their fathers, as did their fathers before them. This tradition
continues over the centuries, safeguarding the wide and varied artistic wealth
of India.
Today, this tradition unfolds itself in an overwhelming variety
of products, combining aesthetic appeal with utilitarian value. To
satisfy modern tastes and meet international demand, design institutes have
been giving a new look to these traditional crafts. A variety of products
is available today in all their regional splendour.
These beautiful items are like a breath of fresh air in this age
of mechanisation and mass production. The high caliber of skills
exhibited in creating the products has stood the test of time. What's
more, craftsmen have shown great ingenuity and flexibility in adapting to the
requirements of the modern age.
Each region of India abounds in handicrafts reflecting the
genius of its local craftsmen. Andhra Pradesh in the south has the
distinction of having all important categories of handicrafts practiced in
their traditional locations spread over different parts of the state.
Karimnagar is well known for silver Filigree of superior quality created by
master craftsmen.
Bidri is another prized product of Andhra Pradesh popular in different
parts of the world.
The skills of artisans can be seen in caskets, vases and trays.While places
like Nagarjunakonda and Amaravathi have influenced the growth of stone-carving
in places like Durgi, wood-carving received its impetus from the temple
sculptures. This has made possible the creation of a variety of products
in the shape of both figurines and panels that depict them from temple chariots
and Gopuram (typical Hindu temple
domes).
Metalware has found a new expression in the context of Andhra
Pradesh with exquisite pieces of sheet-metal art deriving its motifs from the
historic monuments of the Kakatiya sculpture. At the same time, the art
has successfully adapted itself to imbibing the use of Persian and other
motifs. This has resulted in the evolution of a whole range of
utility-cum-decorative items like plant pots, vases, wall decorations and
stationery items. Cast art metalware, including icons and temple
sculptures depicting various themes, is also produced in certain parts of the
state.
Nirmal painting, unique for reproducing motifs from the
well-known art schools, has greatly expanded its market by evolving a number of
household items which include large-size furniture for drawing, dining and
bedrooms.
Leather puppet-making is yet another speciality which has made
its way into Andhra Pradesh and developed its roots in different parts of the
state. Originally conceived to meet the needs of the shadow puppet
troupes, this technique is being increasingly adapted to evolve articles of
home decoration.,
Andhra Pradesh has created a niche for itself in the wooden toy
industry, combining both carving and painting to present interesting themes,
such as village occupations, models of mythological figures, and animals in
both stylised and natural forms.
Andhra Pradesh has its claim on some of the most distinguished
crafts like the Kalamkari work with
its origins traced back to antiquity. Kalamkari,
with its resist process and application of vegetable dyes has made an
impact in various parts of the world. The
Kalamkari craft, as it has recently evolved in Srikalahasti, offers
themes in the form of small and large decorative panels ideal for household and
office decoration.
Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of handloom textile which has
attracted attention from both within and outside the country. By
carefully assimilating some of the best features of weaving styles and
techniques without sacrificing on the originality, and showing a high degree of
flexibility to change, the artistic handloom weaving industry of Andhra Pradesh
has emerged as a potent source of some of the most unique products made in the
country. The world-famous Tie and Dye cloth with its more recent
innovation in furnishing fabrics, the well-known brocade and silk saris of
kothakota and Gadwal, the famous Narayanpet saris and superfine Venkatagiri
saris, besides Pondur Khadi are among the better known handloom textiles
from the state.
The mirror embroidery of the style practised by the tribal women
Banjaras, nomenclatured "Banjara Embroidery" is another important craft.
It offers possibilities for the profitable use of embroidery skills of this
economically backward community in the state.
Andhra Pradesh has a place of pride in floor coverings
too. Carpets of Eluru and Warangal have long been known not only within
the country but also in many parts of the world. All natural-wool pile
carpets produced in these places are a speciality. The artistic Durry
industry evolved in and around Warangal. Durries with floral and
figurative motifs have contributed significantly to exports.
“Lepakshi”, the well-known temple town in Andhra Pradesh, is a
repository of stone sculpture and frescoes of a high order attained during the
Vijayanagar period. LePakshi as a name has thus aptly been chosen by the
Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation as a name for its Marketing
Wing., LePakshi serves as a vital link between the lover and buyer of objects
of beauty and the legendary handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh. “Lepakshi”
Emporia have endeavoured to project the artistry and elegance of Andhra Pradesh
Handicrafts in order to create an impact on markets within the country and
abroad.
Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition in handicrafts,
with techniques of craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation.
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