Craftodii Handicrafts – C R A F T O D I I

C R A F T O D I I - H A N D I C R A T S

CRAFTODII BRASH/SILVER CRAFTS

Brass and bell metal’s fine engraving works you can find in different utensils, bronze bangles and pots are important aspects of Odishan art. Artifacts made of metal, particularly brass, find pride of place in the homes of Odisha. Beautiful lamps and lamp-stands are used during the worship of deities. Rice-measuring bowls made of brass are used in many homes. The artisans also make elephants and horses from brass and decorate them with intricate designs. Containers of brass for betel-chewers are designed both to be useful and ornamental. There are household articles and utensils made out of brass and bell metal and they are of different shapes and sizes. The brassware of Odisha reveals the high workmanship of the artisans and their flair for innovation.

CRAFTODII IRON/WOOD CRAFTS

Stone, Iron and Wood cravings are among the age-old crafts of Odisha. The descendants of the artisans who once scaled the dizzy heights of excellence in temple building have kept the sculptural tradition alive through their hereditary craft of stone carving. The carved products include replicas of temples, images of gods and goddesses, the Konark wheel and horse, and decorative figurines like alasa kanya(the indolent damsel), salabhanjika(lady leaning against a sal branch), surasundari (heavenly. beauty), lekhika(lady writing a letter) etc. which are popular items of household decoration. Wood carvings of Odisha are almost equally popular. They differ from the artifacts of other states in so far as they are plain and shining with smooth polish and without any paint or coating of lacquer work on them.

CRAFTODII FILIGREE CRAFTS

Odisha’s silver and filigree work particularly are unique examples of artistic excellence rarely to be seen in any other part of India. Silver wires, extremely delicate, are shaped into intricate designs. Forms of animals and birds, articles of daily use like vermilion receptacles are also made out of silver wires- Filigree ornaments, especially brooches and earrings are very popular among Indian women. Cuttack is world-famous for filigree work.The quality of silver used for making these products is of a high standard and have up to 90 percent of purity. Silver wires are drawn through small holes and then soldered to create an exquisite mesh-like article.Silver Filigree work can be categorized under many items. Ornamental items like bangles, earrings, necklaces, brooches, pendants are a hot favorite amongst the ladies. Decorative items like temple mold, the cast of snakes and horses, animals and chariots are apt for drawing-room. The utilitarian items mainly consist of bowls, ashtrays, cups, vermillion container etc. Devotional items of silver are also used in the many temples of Odisha.