When you take a land and fill it with people you love celebrations, and whose love for color is unparalleled, even while it is sophisticated in its simplicity, chances are you will come across a range of arts and crafts that meet with their particular needs. It isn't an unfair assumption in the case of Rajasthan.
The bazaar (markets) spill with produce, and there is a magnifient glow of colors that permeates the mart and spills over to the people themselves. There is nothing that is subtle about it either. Colors dance on textiles and fabrics, glow in between gold settings, is woven into the threads of rugs and carpets: it is bountiful celebration where the range of materials at their command is put amazing use.
The bazaar (markets) spill with produce, and there is a magnifient glow of colors that permeates the mart and spills over to the people themselves. There is nothing that is subtle about it either. Colors dance on textiles and fabrics, glow in between gold settings, is woven into the threads of rugs and carpets: it is bountiful celebration where the range of materials at their command is put amazing use.
» Antiquities : Though all of them not actually qualify as antiques, and many infact are new, these are objets of daily use that excercise a facination among most urban visitors. They can be found in small shops all over Rajasthan. Ofcourse, for most it would be impossible to think of 'using' them in their homes, but they do make attractive decorative objets.
» Blue Pottery : Blue pottery is an art form from Persia and was introduced in Rajasthan under the patronage of Maharaja Ram Singh. Blue pottery is new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The color schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colors such as, yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.
» Blue Pottery : Blue pottery is an art form from Persia and was introduced in Rajasthan under the patronage of Maharaja Ram Singh. Blue pottery is new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The color schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colors such as, yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.
» Carpets & Dhurries :
Dhurries, a simple rug that was once used as an underlay, has now become one of Rajasthan best known weaving traditions. Weavers sit on looms in villages, creating an interesting blend of patterns- mostly geometric, sometimes floral- in an exciting combination of colors. Made from cotton yarn, in areas such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, the camel-hair, woolen Durrie too is available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured.
Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan were introduced in the royal ateliers in the 17th century. Ever since, they have flourished here, with their exuberant colors and geometric motifs finding their way into showrooms around the world. Naturally they are available in the bazaars at a price far lower than they command in stores overseas.
» Jewellery :
Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centres for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.
» Jewellery :
Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centres for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.
Rajasthan is also known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears. A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its Lac bangles, Kundan and Minakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Chittaur popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are Rakhdi (head ornament), Tussi (necklace), Baju Bandh (armlet), Adah (special necklace worn by Rajputs), Gokhrus (bracelets), Pajebs (anklets), etc.
Kundan,the art of setting stones in gold famous in Bikaner and Jodhpur. Minakari is the Art of enamelling in gold and silver for other metal (meenakari can be done in precious, semi precious gems or the cheaper coloured glass also. it is made in Jaipur, Nathdwara and Pratapgarh.
» Leatherwear :
The leatherwears of Rajasthan are famous for hundreds of years. The hides of dead animals is used by skilled cobblers for Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jutis 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. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer are famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli).
Kundan,the art of setting stones in gold famous in Bikaner and Jodhpur. Minakari is the Art of enamelling in gold and silver for other metal (meenakari can be done in precious, semi precious gems or the cheaper coloured glass also. it is made in Jaipur, Nathdwara and Pratapgarh.
» Leatherwear :
The leatherwears of Rajasthan are famous for hundreds of years. The hides of dead animals is used by skilled cobblers for Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jutis 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. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer are famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli).