India is home to an astounding variety of traditional crafts.Century old skills continue to produce some of the most artistic and exciting wares which are admired and collected by connoisseurs not only in India but all over the world.

The story of Indian Handicrafts is as old as our civilization. The vast cultural and ethnic diversity of the land has enabled a variety of motifs, techniques and crafts to flourish on this land. Crafts have always been a source of fascination whether one appreciates them for purely visual or aesthetic pleasure or pauses to savour the underlying history,culture and symbolism. The subtle and ethnic appeal of each piece is irresistible be it furniture,leatherware,pottery,metalcraft or textiles.

Pottery has been called the lyric of handicrafts.Lyrical because of its irresistible appeal. A piece of pottery has a visual message for us in its shape and colour.It is the most sensual of all arts, it is not only to be looked at,but also handled carefully while using.Clay is such a fascinating medium that if a lump of clay is given to a child,he instinctively wants to create things out of it.

Terracotta is world famous and its influence is evident in our temples.Terra-cotta sculpture in temples is abundant.Bengal has the largest array of the finest specimens of terra-cotta panels.The style is essentially folk and designs expressive. The use of colored glazed tiles began after the Muslim conquest.The tile art became highly refined called 'chini' or 'kashi'.

The metalware comprises of artistic brassware,enamelled,engraved and also with filigreed cut work on silver or any other metal.

Moradabad a sleepy town in the state of Uttar Pradesh makes India proud through its artistic brassware innate to the craftsmen of this town. Some popular artifacts are like flower vases, trays, candleholders, hurricane lamps, sconces, fire-sets, soap dishes, snuffer, napkin rings, statues, tribal and animal figures etc.

In Rajasthan the silversmiths make beautiful boxes,trays,small statues and ornamental birds,horses and elephants,enameled as well as plain.

From Kashmir in the north to Rajasthan in the west to Karnataka in the south,each region in India contributes to its rich heritage in all spheres , woodwork being no exception.

Rajasthan is renowned for its carved wooden doors and chairs. 'Tilonia' furniture is typical of the state, it stands out for its fine embroidery work done on leather.

Down south there is sandalwood to entice one's olfactory and visual senses.Carvings made of sandalwood come in a range of objects and themes. Some well-known artifacts comprises of big statues of gods and goddesses or nymphs playing the flute in aesthetic dance poses.

Note: We'll be happy to arrange a handicraft tour in India and take you to the best possible artisans in the respective crafts.

For details, please contact sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com