THE GENIUS OF TRADITIONAL ART
Famous Shopping Centres: Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Kalanjali Arts & Crafts, Sheela's Indian Handicrafts Specialists
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 practised in their traditional locations spread
over different parts of the state.
Generations
of dedicated and tainted craftsmen working with the treasures of the earth
have transformed precious and ordinary materials into objects of rare
beauty. Most handicrafts have been learned as an art form down the ages.
And some of them are still a part of the cottage industry of Andhra.
The Various Forms Of Creative Art
Karimnagar is well known for
Silver Filigree of superior quality
created by master craftsmen. Bidri, an art
of inlaying silver on black metal, is another prized product of Andhra
Pradesh popular in different parts of the world.
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. Pembarthi village in
Warangal District of Andhra
Pradesh is the hometown of this art. The artisans of Andhra Pradesh are
also skilled in Bronze castings, the
art of transforming the common metal bronze into beautiful masterpieces.
Durgi, Allagadda and
Tirupati are
the important stone carving centres in Andhra Pradesh. Mythological
figures and the stone carvings of the
Gods and Goddesses in the temples in these regions are the typical
illustrations of the stonework.
Woodcarving 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).
Exhibited in wood paintings and other wooden articles, Nirmal artwork
abounds with aesthetic expressions. The talent of the artists in capturing
the mood of Indian and Moghul schools of art in their true spirit is
worthy of admiration.
Andhra Pradesh has its claim on some of the most distinguished crafts
like the Kalamkari work with its origins
traced back to antiquity. Machilipatnam
and Kalahasti
are the main Kalamkari centres, known for their intricate and detailed
designs, used in clothing and wall decorations.
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. Andhra Pradesh has created a place 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.
Kondapalli dolls Nirmal toys, and Etikoppaka for
lacquer ware toys are the famous
examples.
The Traditional Handloom Making
Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of handloom textile, which has
attracted attention from both within and outside the country. Saris of the
most exquisite, unique and generic designs are found here. Silk and cotton
saris come from the looms of Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanpet
and Dharmavaram, and are household names throughout India.
Banjara Needle Craft, the mirror
embroidery of the style practised by the tribal women Banjaras is also an
important craft.
Ikat is a tie-dye technique yielding
woven fabric of the most intricate and colourful designs, and
Himroo weaving are also unique art forms of
Andhra Pradesh's handloom heritage.
Budhiti is practised in Budhiti village of
Srikakulam district. This art
form expresses itself as traditional cooking utensils and also in forms
that suit contemporary needs - like flowerpots and planters. The exquisite
hand crocheted lace works of Narsapur in
Andhra Pradesh are also very popular.
Places To Buy
Efforts are taken to preserve and sustain these arts and crafts by the
Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC), a state
government organisation. Lepakshi Handicrafts emporia of APHDC have on
display most of these arts throughout India.
In
Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi showrooms are in
Hyderabad ,
Secunderabad, Vijayawada,
Tirupati ,
Visakhapatnam, Tirumala
Hills, Puttaparthi,
Guntur,
Warangal,
Karimnagar,
Rajahmundry,
Kurnool and
Nizamabad.
WHERE TO SHOP:
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