Can anyone give me an idea about the clay craft of West Bengal please.. apart from the Kumartuli figurines of Gods and Goddesses what are the other forms of clay craft of Bengal?
Posted On : 4/27/2009 4:40:30 AM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Maharaja Krishnachandra 1710 1783 was the patron of the arts, including literature and music, and supported the production of clay dolls. In 1728 he brought families of potters from Dhaka and Natore and settled them in Ghurni, then a village. EVenthough, there are clay sculptures in different parts of India but there has been nothing to match the clay doll artisans of Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal. One look at the clay dolls and one will be amazed at the reality with which the artist has displayed the character of the model. Krishnanagar clay dolls are unique in their realism and the quality of their finish, they truly represent a breakaway from the traditional form. Besides the the entire pantheonof gods and godesses, fruits, fish, insects, animals, birds, and even the ubiquitous Donald Duck and other popular comic strip characters are produced. Also realistic recreations of everyday life, work, mood and character- farmers, weavers, rag pickers, basket makers, umbrella makers - are yet other specialties of Krishnanagar dolls. Exhibitions of Krishnagar dolls have been held in London, Paris and Boston. 6 Ghurni clay models have won medals and certificates at international exhibitions. 7
Posted On : 4/27/2009 8:30:39 PM
Roop Chatterjee Reward Points : 21400 Member Since : Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hi ...West bengal has a rich tradition of clay crafts and pottery. There is hardly any Hindu festival or ritual, which is complete without the use of earthen lamps or diya. The terracotta tradition is the continuation of the Indus valley traditions that date back 5000 years. India also has an age-old tradition of clay toys and terracotta figures. Terracotta work is centered in the states of West Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
Posted On : 6/1/2009 3:27:55 AM
Ratri Basak Reward Points : 37600 Member Since : Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hi friends....I would like to add some information on the history of clay craft...............Clay craft is probably the earliest of man s creations. Clay pottery is an ancient art form in India dating back to well over 10,000 years. The clay objects found at the excavation sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation point to the high quality of skill and technology of the Indian potter. Jhuker Pottery was related with the people of the Harappan towns like Amri and Chanhudaro situated in Sind. The Red Ware was the most popular type of pottery during the late-Vedic period. It has been discovered from many archaeological sites in western Uttar Pradesh. The Painted Grey Ware was another distinctive form of pottery of the Vedic times that consisted of bowls and dishes, which were used for rituals and for eating. The appearance of Northern Black Polished Ware marked the beginning of the second phase of urbanisation in India. This was a very glossy and shiny type of pottery made of very fine fabric.
Posted On : 6/1/2009 3:29:16 AM
Albert D souza Reward Points : 33200 Member Since : Sunday, February 24, 2008
Yes, its true that clay craft has attained a iconic status in West Bengal and Indian on a broader scale. Clay craft specimens are fragile but at the same time they are very beautiful. They are usually the figures of Gods and Goddesses, animal and bird figures, mythological characters, carts and other figures of rural day to day life. The terracotta toys of the eastern and southern belt of India are very finely crafted with all major details. Where as at other places the details are highlighted with colors.
Posted On : 6/1/2009 3:33:30 AM
Mona Mehta Reward Points : 19900 Member Since : Friday, January 09, 2009
You are right Albert...in Bihar, Bengal and Gujarat, clay figures of Gods and Goddesses are made. Gujarat is also famous for animal and bird figures. Tamilnadu is famous for the terracotta figures of the Aiyanar Deity. Uttar Pradesh is famous for animal figures. Moela in Rajasthan is famous for its unique The relief- work baked and painted in bright colors. These clay toys are excellent decoratives for the gardens and the living rooms. They can be placed on the center tables or the mantels. Some can even be hung on the walls. The larger ones can also be use as lobby or lounge decoratives.
Posted On : 6/1/2009 3:34:50 AM
Ms Sarbani Mitra Reward Points : 500 Member Since : Monday, June 08, 2009
Clay is an integral part of our lives in West Bengal. Besides Kumartuli there are several areas in Kolkata where clay models are made But the iconographic features are more or less the same-the Kumarpara in Kalighat area is one. As for other forms-WB has a rich tradition of burnt clay/terracotta temples, houses, utensils and jewellery. Bishnupur is one of the best locations where a group of beautiful terracotta temples have been well preserved by the ASI. Clay pots are regularly used in the villages and in the cities they are regularly used for carrying food items. They also play an important part in performing religious rituals. Lately terracotta jewellery has found an important accessory for women and provided a good source of income to a large number of people.
Clay Craft Of West Bengal
