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 Dolls of Krishnanagar refer to clay modelling of Krishnanagar, an art admired by Maharaja Krishnachandra in the late 18th century. This art form is about three hundred years old. Dolls are the most popular items of Krishnanagar Clay modelling. The scenes relating to our society, our country and the people, the different castes and racial types are some of the common themes which are reproduced realistically through these clay models.
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Dolls |
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Terracotta of Bishnupur (Bankura) forms began under the Malla dynasty, during the late medieval period. Terracotta horses and elephants comprise the main objects of Bankura clay modeling. Bankura's art form is a more ancient art form than that of Krishnanagar. It was the Kumbhokars or potters of Panchmura, a place in Bishnupur, who started to make the famous Bankura horses and elephants. The Panchmura-style is the finest of all the four types (others being Rajagarm, Sonamukhi and Hamirpur).
Terracotta |
Terracotta |
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Kantha is a fascinating household craft, practiced by the rural women of Bengal, is also the most creative of all embroidery styles in this part of India. Previously the artistic fineness of kantha was manifested on layers of old cotton dhotis or saris on which the embroidery was done with threads drawn out from the sari or dhoti border. The number of layers used to vary according to the use for which the kantha was meant. Normally the top and bottom layers of a kantha were white or of a very light colour, so that the embroidery done with faded threads drawn from the sari borders were not lost. Kantha is characterised by the patterned running stitches. The kantha in its simplest form was used for laying newborn babies in the courtyard while they were massaged with mustard oil. The idea of using this embroidery commercially, originated more in urban groups.
Kantha Stitch |
Kantha Stitch |
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Silk weaving of Baluchar still retains its importance in Bengal’s handloom tradition. Famous Baluchari saris were manufactured at Baluchar of Murshidabad, which has been introduced by the weavers of Bishnupur. The Baluchari tradition dates back to the 7th century A.D and since then it has undergone several changes in style and technique in the intervening ages.
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Another art form is Conch shell objects – where the resources of the sea contribute to the rich heritage of crafts in Bengal.
| Conch Shell is one such resource which stands unique in the scenario of Bengali craft. The conch shell workers slice sparkling conch shells with simple hand tools and make bangles, bracelets and a range of ornaments. A typical type of bangle, known as sankha, made from conch shell, is worn by the women of Bengal as a sign of marriage. Conch Shell also has a lot of religious significance. |
Conch Shell |
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Sholapith is one of the most traditional and famous craft of West Bengal. Use of sholapith items during the pujas reflect that the craft had its origin in the rituals and religious requirements of old days. Sholapith is a kind of soft reed, growing in water or on marshy grounds of Eastern India.
The craftsmen or 'malakars' make use of these reeds to make a great variety of products which attract the common handicrafts lovers. Topor (ornamental headgear) is one very common product made of sheathe malakars with their intricate workmanship also make images of Gods and Goddesses, flowers, animals and innumerable decorative items. |
Sholapith |
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Basketry is primarily a folk craft, which is preserved to the present day. Baskets find a great variety of users in rural Bengal. Bamboo and cane, the two most important raw materials for basket making are available all over West Bengal, more frequently in rural areas. Both bamboo and cane are used for making many mundane products of regular use as well as decorative artefacts. One regular product made of whole or uncut cane is the Dhama(basket). Dhamas of different shapes and sizes are used widely in the rural areas for carrying and measuring of grains. Coiled baskets are also made of cane.
Basketry |
Basketry |
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