Rajasthan is known as India’s treasure trove and is one of the richest states in terms of art and craftsmanship. Mitali Mishra writes about 10 most important artworks of Rajasthan…
BLUE POTTERY
The Persian Art of blue pottery came to Jaipur from Persia and Afghanistan via Mughal Courts. The craft is found mainly in Jaipur, but also in Sanganer, Mahalan, and Neota. It gets its name from the blue dye, used to color the pottery.
Blue Pottery is made using quartz, multani mitti and other substances.The major benefit is that blue pottery does not crack. It is also waterproof, hygienic, and suited for everyday usage. Animal and bird themes from the Mughal era are the main sources of inspiration for the popular motifs. Plates, flower vases, soap dishes, surahis, trays, coasters, fruit bowls, door knobs, and glazed tiles with hand painted floral patterns are among the amazing eye catching manufactured goods.
TERRACOTTA WORK
Terracotta is a type of ceramic pottery. Terracotta clay is baked to create terracotta ceramics. In actuality, the Italian phrases meaning “baked earth” are where the name “terracotta” originates. A natural brown-orange hue characterises terracotta. It’s used to make many flower pots, pipes, bricks, and sculptures. Up until the early 14th century, it was the sole clay product used. Terracotta statues that are 5,000 years old have been discovered by archaeologists.
Perhaps one of the most spectacular terracotta creations ever is the Terracotta Army. This huge group of terracotta sculptures represents the armies of Qin Shi Huang. He was the first Emperor of China. He had the notion that his Terracotta Army would defend him in the afterlife and thought he could continue to govern them as a group.
MARBLE WORK
Rajasthan cities like Kishangarh and Jaipur, are renowned for its beautiful arts and crafts. All marble handicraft products are handmade from premium Makarana marbles with Meenakari and Kundan work by expert craftsmen using basic equipment. As a result, it is used for gift-giving and house decoration. Marble pot and vases, in Matka shape, bottle shape, and Surahi model are uniquely designed in high-quality florals patterns.
WOODCRAFT
Rajasthan is a famous location for wooden crafts. Rajasthan is famed for its skilled woodwork, and the furniture made there showcases the gorgeous leather embroidery. Ramgarh (Shekhawati), Barmer and Bikaner are known for their carved wooden doors, chairs and boxes with fretted brass as a decorative element. Tilonia Furniture of Kishangarh is a famous kind of artwork. Another form of wooden art that is popular in Rajasthan is the art of Taarkashi.
PUPPETRY
Puppets, also known as Kathputlis locally, are an essential component of Rajasthani culture and daily life. The body components are made from stuffed rags and scraps of cloth and are crafted from the traditional mango wood. The state has a puppetry heritage that has been passed down through the generations and is the birthplace of puppetry worldwide. In Rajasthan, string puppets were most frequently produced. One of the state’s oldest puppet-making hubs is Udaipur and the state’s largest puppet market is located in Jaipur’s Katputli Nagar neighbourhood.
THEWA
THEWA is a word from the local Rajasthani language which literally means “setting”.
Thewa – Rajasthani glassworks are distinctive in both appearance and function.Traditional Thewa involves fusing 23K gold with various coloured glass. The delicate gold work is highlighted by a specific procedure that gives the glass a sparkling appearance. Pratapgarh is known for its Thewa work, which includes stunning and traditional products like handcraft items, glass photo frames, trays, glass art ware, glass jewellery boxes, lamp shades, flower vases, crystal wine glasses, flasks, glass pots, and antique crystal chandeliers. With their brilliant colours and wonderful patterns, Thewa pendants are renowned pieces of jewellery. Such Thewa jewellery is famous in Chittorgarh.
JEWELLERY
Rajasthan’s jewellery art is a rich blending of famous craftsmanship, vibrant culture, and traditional styles. In Rajasthan, the custom of making and wearing jewellery has existed for centuries. To preserve the history, generations of artists have passed along the skill of creating lacquered jewellery. It is also a sacred symbol of marriage. They are worn with great pride by married women. Due to its realistic patterns and selection of decorations, Rajasthani gold jewellery is distinctive. Rajasthan is home to the jewellery-making technique known as kundan. It’s also referred to as Jadau work. Another specialty of the states’ artists is Meenakari jewellery. Brightly coloured enamel is used to adorn jewellery made of gold or silver with precious and semiprecious stones.
TEXTILES
Rajasthan’s textiles are the result of years of fabric experimentation, expert handiwork, and a keen eye for detail. Here you can get the kind of fabric, weaving and embroidery that is impossible to get anywhere else in the world. In Bikaner, Barmer, and the nearby areas, patchwork and embroidery are well-practiced crafts. The state’s Zari or zardozi artwork is also well-known. The Sanganer textiles of Jaipur, which feature block printing, are well known. Dark colours and appealing circular patterns set apart the prints of Bagru and Jajams. Be it the patterned Bandhani, Bandhej, or the wave-like Lehariya, the cracked Batik, the Shikari, the Cheent, or the Mothra.
CARPETS AND RUGS
The hand-woven carpets and rugs are distinguished by their luxurious colours and excellent designs. Although wool is traditionally used to weave carpets, cotton and silk are frequently used to manufacture carpets and rugs in Rajasthan. Due to the superb artistry displayed on cotton yarn, the Durries of Jaisalmer and Bikaner have received praise from all over the world. These works of art have distinctive themes and flower patterns as their inspiration. The hand-knotted, top-quality carpets and rugs made in Bokhara are among the best in the world.
LEATHERWEAR
Premium leather shoes called Juttis and Mojaris are famously produced in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer. Juttis are the state’s elegantly upgraded slip-on sandals. The geometric patterns created on the ancient leather goods are famous in the Tilonia village near Ajmer. Shoes and sandals, pouches, purses, and handbags; hats and caps; belts; musical instruments like the dhol, dhapli, tabla, and kamancha; lamps and lampshades; and even furniture like stools and chairs are made of leather in Rajasthan.