Clay of Art

It has slowly become one of the best gifts that can be presented. Not only is it easy on the pocket of the presenter, the receiver is equally happy. Terracotta items are one of the most loved gift items around. They are absolutely beautiful to look at and are very long lasting. These glazed terracotta items are made from earth and rate very high on the utility meter.

The use of clay and terracotta has been done from the time since it was known that such things exists. From grand temples like The Temples of Vishnupur to small household items like tea pot and utensils, artists of Bengal have made the full use of terracotta and clay. Few years back, the use of it had drastically fallen as there were not many takers for it and it no longer remained a profitable venture for the artists. But after some time, its absence started pinching the real art lovers and soon there was again demand for it.

The rich alluvial clay which is the raw material for this art work comes from the banks of River Ganga. It is perfectly purified and moistened by nature itself. After it is extracted, it is treated with special chemicals to turn it into superior quality ceramic clay. This clay then passes through several stages of being filled in a kiln at various temperatures. In between, it is glazed, treated with chemicals and colours and shaped into different shapes. What makes the products special is that the chemicals and colours used are tested at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, and certified as harmless. The high temperature firing also makes the household products safe for use in microwave. The range of products includes tea and coffee sets, mugs, soup and sauce bowls, dinner sets, planters, vases, room decor and the list goes on and on....

So go on and invite your friends over for a drink and serve them beer in these beautiful work of arts. Not only will this show your concerns towards earth but will also be a nice style statement. And the best thing is that they can be bought in mostly all regions of India.

Pipli's Appliqué Work

I have started believing that the most beautiful things in life happen unexpectedly.

Driving down the highway in Orissa, I was mesmerized by the sudden change in my surroundings. It was as if someone poured thousands of colors all over the region. Both sides of the road were displayed parasols, wall hangings and various types of bags in bright shades of red, green and yellow. On inquiring, I came to know that these wonderful art works were created in a small town called Pipli, situated on the highway between Bhubaneswar and Puri. There was something different yet very common about the art work on the products and that enticed me to go their origin place.

Pipli is the home to the old appliqué art work. Only on looking at them closely did I come to know that Pipli's treasure is not exactly unknown. The giant canopies, colorful beach umbrellas, wall hangings and lampshades are bought by millions across India, but nobody knows about its place of origin. It is not just a product you are buying, you are actually taking home a very old tradition, a treasure.

It is somewhat different from appliqué works elsewhere. In Pipli's appliqué work, motifs are cut out from various colored materials and then superimposed on a base cloth, usually of contrasting colors. It is not clear about its origin but they have been associated with rituals of Jagannatha Temple from as long as anybody could remember. They are used in ceremonial attire, ritualistic props and on drapes used in the chariots. There is a strict color code and only red, black, green, yellow and white colors can be used in religious art work.

Slowly the items on which appliqué work was used increased drastically as it was praised in all sections of the society. Today they are used on bags, parasols, wall hangings, room decorations, awnings, letter holders, bed covers and almost everywhere. I was told that Pipli appliqué work can be bought from anywhere in Orissa and government emporiums throughout the country, but i found it really pleasing to see the craftsmen at work. It really helps you appreciate the craft more once you see it being born. So if you are traveling to Puri or Bhubaneswar or anywhere close, do not forget to visit Pipli, it is worth it.