Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Our Products
Mother of Pearl has been used for multiple decorative purposes since long periods of time. The pieces of shell are smoothened and arranged in ornamental fashion on wood carvings or inlaid in brass objects. It gives both an embossed and a glossy look on finishing. Most products are fashioned in a simple and elegant fashion for mainly room dcor and kitchen accessories such as crockery, coasters and bathroom dispensers etc.
Cane as a craft type is found across the northern, eastern, north-eastern and southern parts of the country. But it is predominantly found and practiced in north-east India, especially in Assam. The variety of cane used determines the quality of the product made. For example, a kind of muli bamboo locally known as mulibazail is used for making umbrella handles. Two other varieties of bamboo locally known as Mrithinga and Bethua and different varieties of canes locally known as sundi, barjali, harua and golla are required for specific designs in making furniture and baskets.
The coconut tree is well-known for its multi-utility nature with all of its components used for food, oil, timber, rope, fuel and handicrafts. Even the hard coconut shells are utilized, being carved into beautiful patterns and objects which can be used in everyday life such as bowls, boxes, wall clocks, toys, wind chimes and even accessories such as pendants or earrings. Not only is it decorative but also functional in all aspects.
As is the story with most of the crafts, Zari or Zardozi embroidery also got its name from a village by the same name in ancient Persia. Zari has always been associated with the affluent sections of the society in India and globally as well because it requires weaving thin threads of gold and silver onto fine fabrics of silk. The result of this intricate piece of designing is so exquisite that it completely justifies its monetary worth. Mughal Emperor Akbar can be credited for bringing a revolution in the emergence of Zari as one of the most sought after crafts and for developing areas around Agra and Lucknow as major clusters for this craft. As the impact of Royal patronage waned in our society, the gold and silver were replaced with gold or silver-plated polyester and cotton yarns or slightly costlier copper threads. Lucknow, owing to its Nawabi heritage, still continues to be the biggest market for Zari and Zardozi embroidery.
