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Bhartiya Lok Kala Kendra in Udaipur – Remarkable Collection of Rajasthani Folk Art

Jun 25

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Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum in Udaipur

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum in Udaipur

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, one of the most popular attractions of Udaipur city, was established in the year 1952 by Padma Shri Devi Lal Samar. The museum has the sole intention of preserving the culture and art of Rajasthan and its adjacent states.

Interesting Collection of  Rajasthani Folk Art

There is quite interesting collection exhibited in this small museum including dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings.

The henna handprints, the terracotta shrines, and the colored decorative pieces made out of cow dung floors are exquisite. These come from the Molela village near Nathdwara.

Just adjacent to it is a laudable collection of musical instruments which was primarily used by tribal folks. The museum also exhibits a collection of tribal ornaments.

Puppet Theater in Museum

A puppet theater is also located within the museum. Puppet shows are quite popular in Rajasthan and are considered to be an inimitable way of entertainment. In this section of museum, puppet shows are held at regular intervals.

Since the Mewar Rajputs have always held onto their traditions and culture, this was an important means of entertainment even for them.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal

The people from Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal has taken all the pains and gathered outstanding items of Rajasthan. These include miniature paintings, sculptures, leather items and several other handicrafts that make Udaipur as well as Rajasthan unique.

In this museum various artist perform their art on stage from time to time and thus becomes part of tourist attraction itself.

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Lacquered work of Rajasthan – Nakashi and Plain Decoration on Articles

Mar 20

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Lacquerware Work in Rajasthan - Decorated Polished Wood Items

Lacquerware Work in Rajasthan - Decorated Polished Wood Items

The handicraft of lacquered brassware, the traditional designs and their decoration land a pleasing textures to the surface of the articles.

Embellished with various kinds of engraved motifs, the most common articles produced by this industry are Aftabs, hanging lamps, flower vases, table tops, plates, bangles and bracelets, fruit dishes, ash trays and so on

The lacquered art of rajasthan having its origin in the 18 century was patronized by Maharaja Ram singh of Jaipur. Though lacquer work is closely allied to the famous enameling work of Rajasthan, it maintains its uniqueness in several forms.

Lacquered wood work of Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur are famous for brilliant finish of charming colors. The other centers of Lacquer wares are Indargarh Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Tonk and alwar.

Process of Lacquered work

Lacquer, a type of varnish made from the sap of the Asian lac tree, possesses two notable characteristics: it creates a surface impervious to high temperatures and moisture, it readily blends with pigments or other embellishments, and is resistant to termites and other wood-boring pests. Lacquer Work, the process of applying a varnish to the surface of a material, most commonly wood, as both a decorative and protective finish.

Wooden Boxes Polished using Lacquer Work

Wooden Boxes Polished using Lacquer Work

There is also painstaking technique in which the lacquer is applied in thin coats, sometimes as many as 100. Each coat is dried and polished before the next is applied.

Pigment may be mixed with the lacquer to create a colored surface or designs may be painted and gilded on to the clear or opaque surface, then lacquered again. Other methods of decoration included carving the surface with a knife or encrusting it with a shell, mother-of-pearl, coral or metal.

Rajasthani lacquered work artists have many designs in their pieces. Plain decoration in this art is done in the lacquered works at all the centers of Rajasthan The works with etched nakshi or pattern work are produced in Jaipur.

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Dolls and Toys Art of Rajasthan – Handmade Lovely Toys for Children

Mar 16

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Handmade Toys and Dolls Hanging at a Store in Rajasthani Handicrafts Market

Handmade Toys and Dolls Hanging at a Store in Rajasthani Handicrafts Market

Handicrafts making in Rajasthan covers a wide array of products. The tradition of crafting toys and dolls actually dates back to the pre-historic periods in Rajasthan. Excavations at different regions of Rajasthan have come up with handmade toy carts, figures of human beings or animals, birds and even religious figurines.

Toys and dolls in Rajasthan are crafted primarily from wood, clay, stones and other natural and easily available materials. They not only cater to the dreams of a child but they are also associated with religious rituals and festivals. Even today, there are some religious festivals like Janmashtami, which include rituals involving handmade toys and dolls.

The little cosmetic box called Shringardani is traditionally given to a bride on her wedding day and is a toy for children as well.

The puppets of Rajasthan are very charming due to their exaggerated eyes and lips and colourful dresses. These Puppets  are the obvious expression of the human psyche, social and cultural practices, demo graphical differences and as such is a very important part of traditional knowledge and wisdom, passed on through generations.

Famous Destination to Shop Toys and Dolls in Rajasthan

The wooden toys are made in Udaipur and Soft tinted clay toys made in Merta in Nagaur are very popular among tourists. It is also famous for imitation dry fruit which bear a striking resemblance to the real fruits.

Katputli (Puppet) Toys Singing Folk Tales and Dancing in Rajasthan Villages

Katputli (Puppet) Toys Singing Folk Tales and Dancing in Rajasthan Villages

Bassi in Chittorgarh district is another noted centre for wooden toys where the entire village is engaged in wood-carving and in making wooden products.

Jaipur too is very well known for cloth dolls and toys which are generally dyed and stuffed with waste material. These toys are beautifully decorated with colourful paper with expression writ large on their faces.

Dolls Industry in Rajasthan

Rajasthani Dolls Industry is engaged in the manufacture and export of unique and high quality handmade dolls known as ‘copa‘ dolls, traditional puppets, custom made dolls, puppets and handicraft items.

Copa dolls are eco-friendly and are made out of cotton cloth & stuffing. They are embellished with beads & gotta, extending a rich traditional look. These dolls & puppets are available in variety of designs, sizes, colour combinations, themes etc.

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Rajasthani Traditional Paintings – Phad, Pichhwai and Murals Paintings

Mar 12

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Traditional Phad Paintings Depicting Heroes of Rajasthan

Traditional Phad Paintings Depicting Heroes of Rajasthan

Rajasthani paintings beautifully depict rural Rajasthan and its conservations.  The tradition on painting the wall of houses with scenes from mythological and chivalric tales has been prevalent in Rajasthan for the past many centuries.

Today we are writing about some traditional Paintings of Rajasthan which are very famous all over world.

Phad Paintings

Phad paintings are a beautiful specimen of Indian cloth painting, which has its origin in Rajasthan. These paintings can be simply described as a large painting on Khadi, which venerates the deeds of a hero. They have their own styles and patterns and are very popular due to their vibrant colors and historic themes.

Phad paintings, depicting the life of Pabuji a local hero, now deified are predominately red and green coloured long scrolls carried by the Bhopas. They are unfurled by these itinerant balladeers of Rajasthan, who narrate in song the legend of pabuji on auspicious occasions to the accompaniment of the folk instrument ‘Ravanhatta‘.

Made by the joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Phads are now also available in smaller panels portraying single incidents or characters from the epic.

Pichhvai Painting at Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara

Pichhvai Cloth Painting at Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara

Pichhwai paintings

The Pichhwais are cloth paintings hung in temples. These Pichhwais depicting Lord Krishna as Shrinathji in different moods, are hung behind his image in the temple and changed according to the season. Done in dark rich hues on rough hand-spun cloth, they have deep religious roots and are devotionaly rendered by the painters.

This painting tradition developed in the temple of Nathadwara in southern Rajasthan, and the paintings show Krishna playing the flute and dancing with his consorts, the gopis. The divine love-play here stands for the devotion of believers and their union with their deity.

About Murals

All over Rajasthan, one can see brightly coloured murals. These murals done in the folk art style, depict processions, battles and folk deities. The murals in the palaces of Bikaner, Udaipur and Bundi are classical works of art and have been rendered in the miniature style.

The frescoes of Shekawati are world renowned and the region is popularly termed as an ‘Open Air Art Gallery’.

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Rajasthani Textiles – Block Printing, Mirror Work, Embroidery, Bandhani and Leheria Work

Mar 11

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Rajasthani Textiles - Colorful Turbans

Rajasthani Textiles - Colorful Turbans

Rajasthani Textiles

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colours, these colours are a striking part of the Rajasthani life and are found in the bustling bazars, in fairs & festivals, in the costumes worn and in the traditional paintings & murals.

Rajasthani textiles are the representative of that myriad hue woven in the cloth. Be it the multi colored tie and dye work or excellent block printing, Rajasthan astonishes the entire world with its skill and efficiency.

Throughout Rajasthan, the flaming red and dazzling yellow of women’s odhnis, defiantly breaks the monotonous desert landscape.

There is also a saying that the fashioning of men’s turbans and the patters on the women’s skirts alters every twenty four miles.

A Tourist Dressed in Tradition Shervani and Turban in Rajasthan Cloths Store

A Tourist Dressed in Tradition Shervani and Turban in Rajasthan Cloths Store

About Block Printing

Rajasthan is the heartland of hand – block printing. The chief color used is orange and red with floral prints in yellow and blue – black. 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. Sanganeri prints command a huge demand from major fashion centres world – wide.

Mirror work and Embroidery

Be it a turban, a flared skirt, a veil or a sari – the colour combination are unusual and brilliant. The women of Rajasthan have mastered the art of embroidering fabrics.

Embroidery practiced in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The use of double stitch method results in creating an effect on both sides, giving a semblance of bandhani. Dancing figures, flowers, peacocks and Mandala, the tree of life are the favorite motifs

Home Fabrics and Textile in a Rajasthani Cloth Store

Home Fabrics and Textile in a Rajasthani Cloth Store

Tie & Dye ( Bandhani and Leheria )

The Bandhani and Leheria are two tie-and-dye methods which are popular in Rajasthan.

For Bandhani, the fabric is tied into minute knots to form a design and then dipped into the dye. The Leheria (waves) pattern is also achieved with the tie-and-dye technique.

The main colours used in Bandhani are yellow, green, red and black. The fabric is skillfully knotted by the women, while the portfolio of dyeing rests with the men.

The most commonly used patterns in this technique are dots, circles, squares, waves and stripes.

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Rajasthan Furniture Work – Wooden, Silver, Marble and Meenakari Furniture

Mar 10

Posted by mystaterajasthan in handicrafts rajasthan | 2 Comments

Elephant Metal Work - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

Elephant Metal Work - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

The furniture of Rajasthan is in harmony with its palaces and havelis, displaying similar intricate design and carving.

Different Types of Furniture

Rajasthani Furniture is varied, exquisite and intricate. Wooden furniture, Silver Furniture, Marble Furniture and Meenakari Furniture are few of the types of furniture made in Rajasthan.

About Silver Furniture

Silver Furniture of Rajasthan is widely acclaimed. You can come across silver furniture when you visit the palaces and royal houses in Rajasthan.

A Well Designed Swing from Rajasthan Palaces

A Well Designed Swing from Rajasthan Palaces

Most popularly available pieces of furniture include silver coffee tables, silver chairs, silver temples, silver sofa sets, silver day beds, silver love seat chairs, silver swings etc. The silver work is inlaid first, followed by chasing, embossing and engraving all done with a steel hammer while the floral designs and other motifs require special punch tools to give the final product a well finished look.

Meenakari Furniture

Meenakari Furniture is another variety of contemporary furniture available in Rajasthan. Furniture pieces such as wall brackets, temples, chests,drawers, cupboards, chairs etc are available with meenakari work too. Jaipur is the main hub of meenakari furniture in India.

Wooden Furniture

Wood Furniture of Rajasthan is incomparable. Intricate latticework and ornamental design precedes in the design of wood furniture here.  It is also noted for beautiful paintings with overall aesthetic and functional appeal.

The technique of painting furniture in various colors is quite common in Rajasthan. The white metal plated Patra furniture has a charm of its own.

Wooden Almirah - Artistic Wooden Furniture from Rajasthan

Wooden Almirah - Artistic Wooden Furniture from Rajasthan

Markets to Purchase Furniture in Rajasthan

It’s easy to spot the painted furniture of Jodhpur and Kishangarh, consisting of screens, doors, traditional caskets, low tables and chairs.

The delicately carved wooden doors from Ramgarh, Shekhawati and Bikaner are quite attractive too. Even the craftsmen from Barmer specialize in the art of wood carving, specially doors, roofs, cradles and tables.

Tilonia furniture stands out with fine embroidery work done on leather.

We would post more articles on specific articles in our blogs at a later stage, so keep yourself updated.

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Brass Sculptures, Silver and White Metal Work in Rajasthan – Popular Metalware Items

Mar 7

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Metalwork Peacock - National Bird of India

Metalwork Peacock - National Bird of India

Metalware includes a wide variety of items made from various metals. Some of these vintage and antique items are perfect to collect, use to decorate or simply use for eating and drinking.

The metalwork of Rajasthan comprises artistic brass work, enameled, engraved and filigree work on silver.

Popular Metalware Creations

Popular creations in silver include wine cups, silver embossed decorative boxes, decorative human figures, cigarette lighter cases and photo frames. Decorative pieces are also created using different techniques of hammering chasing, perforation, piercing and repousse.

A number of household items of daily use and recreation are also made in brass and include incense burners with perforated leaves, and handles in the shape of snakes, parrots, peacocks, or lotus stalks.  Swings are a popular item of household furniture in Rajasthan

Different Types of Matelware Technique

Brass Lamp Shades and Sculptures from Rajasthan

Brass Lamp Shades and Sculptures from Rajasthan

Jaipur is famous for its engraved brassware which is usually enameled. Here, engraving is done in three styles namely (1) ‘Marori’ work- minutely lacquered designs covering the entire surface (2) ‘Chikan’- floral ornamentation standing out vividly against a chased and lacquered background and (3) ‘Bichi’ – a delicate pattern of flowers and leaves, on a lacquered surface.

Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to a highlight the tracery on beaten brassware. Traditional silver articles like ‘handas’ or water containers, spice bottles, baskets, trays and white metal articles command sizable export markets.

Brass Planters and White Metal work from Rajasthan Markets

Brass Planters and White Metal work from Rajasthan Markets

Jodhpur is the main centre for handcrafted iron and is famous for it’s aluminum shields and trophies.

Koftagiri, a technique where light-coloured metal is inlaid on a darker surface is found mainly in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pushkar and is practised by very few artisans. It was used originally for weapons and arms. The metal surface gets a blue-black gloss after the application of a mixture of lime juice and sand mixture.

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Rajasthani Textiles – Rajasthani Carpet and Durries

Mar 4

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Rajasthan is a home to astounding varieties of traditional art and cultural crafts. It is a place, where tourists can find century old skills, which continues to produce some of the best artistic and exciting wares in the brilliant soil of Rajasthan.

Rajasthani Carpet

One of the very famous art from the family is the Carpet,which comes in use as floor decorations. The bright use of colors and the flawless designs and knitting make them highly popular with the tourists.

The exquisite Rajasthani carpets are a popular item of export today. The designs are mostly Persian and Caucasian. The motifs consist of human figures, flora, fauna, landscapes and geometric.

Rajasthani Carpets Historical Facts

Raja Man Singh I of Amer pioneered carpet manufacturing in Rajasthan. After he acquired several exquisite carpets from Heart (Afghanistan) for his palace, he also invited artisans from there to train the local workers.

Carpet and Durries Art - Rajasthan Handicrafts

Carpet and Durries Art - Rajasthan Handicrafts

Carpet Manufacturing Industry in Jaipur

Eventually Jaipur,  Bikaner and Amer became the prominent centres of carpet weaving. Carpet industry of Jaipur has surpassed many other centers in terms of extremely fine craftsmanship on wool and silk. An amazing variety of carpets in Persian, Kashmiri and Mughal styles can be fetched at real affordable prices.

Durries in Rajasthan

Rajasthan hand-woven cotton durries  also known as ‘Panja’ durries are known for their remarkable geometric patterns and colours.

The rugged ethnic look adds charm to the ambiance of Rajasthani rooms. They are certainly a fave item when it comes to shopping in Rajasthan.

They not only command sizable markets in india, but also overseas.

NOTE

If you happen to visit Rajasthan and finding difficult to figure out the right place to buy carpet , just comment me on this blog or mail us directly, we would be of sure assistance.

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Leather Art of Rajasthan – Rajasthani Mojadi, Kuppies and Bags

Mar 1

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Leather Items Hanging at a Store in popular Shopping Market of Rajasthan

Leather Items Hanging at a Store in popular Shopping Market of Rajasthan

Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination on the tourist map of India. A destination that defies definition in shape of Rajasthan Art.

Leatherware of Rajasthan

Leather was an indispensable item for the great warriors of Rajasthan in the form of leather saddlery, shoes, shields and water bottles. Today the warriors no longer ride out of battle but the art of leather embroidery remains in all its delicate perfection.

The leather is embroidered, punched, studded and stitched in various designs. Designs include sequin work and tassels, brass studs of machine – stitched motifs depending on the region in which the leather articles is produced.

Rajasthani Mojadi (Jutti)

One of the most popular leather articles of Rajasthan is the Mojadi or Jutti- an attractive foot ware item. Mojadi or Jootis are made all over Rajasthan, the most refined work is found in Jaipur and Jodhpur to produce premium quality Jootis.

Leather Motifs (Juttis) and Bags on Show

Leather Mojadi (Juttis) and Bags on Show

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

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.

Rajasthani Decorative Art – Kuppies

As decorative art, the water bottles of softened camel hide known as ‘kuppies’ are a specialty of Bikaner.  It is known for its painted perfume bottles, water jugs, vases and lampshades made from camel hide. Today, designer hand – bags with graphic embroideries also make a good buy.

The leather work 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.

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Miniature Paintings of Mughal and Rajput Times – Colorful Pictures on Ivory and Handmade Paper

Feb 27

Posted by mystaterajasthan in handicrafts rajasthan | 3 Comments

Rajasthan’s role in the development of Indian art has been very important. The decoration of dwellings and other household objects was but one aspect of the creative genius of the Rajasthani.

The world of miniature paintings is perhaps the most fascinating and the distinctive styles that have existed here in the state of Rajasthan. From the 16th century onwards, various schools of paintings flourished in Rajasthan. Some of the important ones are Mewar School, Kishangarh schools, Kota Kalam Bikaner and Hadoti.

Rajput Miniature Painiting from Rajasthan

Rajput Miniature Paintings on Handmade Paper from Rajasthan

Miniature Paintings in Rajasthan

These paintings vividly render hills, valleys, gardens, palaces, courts and religious processions. Themes from the Ramayana, Krishna Lila and the Gita Govindam have also been pictorially translated.

The colours used for the paintings were made of minerals, vegetables, precious stones, conch shells and metals like gold and silver. And it took as long as several months to prepare the colours.

Some Historical Facts about  Miniature Paintings

In the 16th centuty, Many artists from Rajasthan were employed by Mughals for the purpose of making miniature paintings. But the real expansion of miniature painting to the regional kingdoms of Rajasthan was predominantly after the Mughals’ downfall.

Rajput miniatures, that  flourished under the princely patronage, are being reproduced even in the present times by the successors of the erstwhile craftsmen.

The classical element and aura of these paintings incessantly continue even though several innovations have taken place since then. Those families who are engaged in making miniature paintings have survived in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Kishangarh and continue to paint fine works of art on hand-made paper.

Jaipur Artists Embellished with their Unique Skills

Mughal Paintings of Ancient Times in Rajasthan, India

Mughal Paintings of Ancient Times in Rajasthan, India

In the back streets of the Pink City, you’ll find Brahmin artists working on a variety of materials from handmade paper and boards of wood to ivory and marble. Most of them still use natural colours  Using the finest squirrel hairbrushes, it takes a miniaturist weeks to complete a commission.

With the lack of originality, most of the present artisans merely replicate the work of their forefathers who were know for their breathtakingly precise and detailed workmanship. Also in recent times, some of the sales oriented artists have now switched to cheaper chemical colours to satisfy the demand of tourists.

Miniature paintings were once made on a base of ivory but that’s all in the past. The use of ivory has been banned now in the interests of our wildlife.

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