Handicrafts

Size- 6x3x3"  Price- Rs 430 (Shipping Extra) The wooden toy-making is a traditional craft in the Banaras (Varanasi) district of Uttar Pradesh. Bright and colourful toys are made by clusters of skilled craftsmen. At first wooden logs are sourced from nearby areas and cut them according to the size of the toy. Each piece is heated slowly to remove all the moisture from the wood. The piece is sanded in order to smoothen its surface. The wood is either hand-carved or shaped using lathe. Lathe is preferred for toys that are axially symmetric. In hand-carving, first the design of the toy is drawn on the wood. Then, the wood is sculpted with chisel and hammer according to the design. Once shaped, the surface of the toy is smoothened using a file and the toy is sent for painting then toys are given several coats of paint. 

Dhokra craft is a technique of making small bronze figurines by using the lost wax casting technique is famous as Dhokra craft. The craft for generation passed from father to son and survived almost for 4000 years. In India, this craft is practiced mainly by the tribes of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The metal base goes through a very detailed process that often takes a month or two. Bronze and copper are common metals used in Dhokra figurines. A core is made of clay to shape the desired design of the artifact. It is then dried and coated in wax and covered with a thin layer of mud on which the detailed design of the figurine is carved. Multiple clay layers are added thus, and when the wax dries off, metal is poured into the cavity, creating a thin, beautiful metal structure. These exquisite artifacts are then sold to in and across the world. If we look at them closely, we can see the details of the various instruments played by the figurines. The subtle blend of their backs, their somber expressions, and their penurious but happy demeanor tells us about the life of the Dhokra tribe. 

A beautiful art of metal like copper and zinc is world-famous as a Bidri art. Art has its root since 2000 years ago is the most popular form of metalwork. The bidri art dwells in various types and a significant position in the ancient pottery, handicrafts and, cutlery. Bidri ware is the most exported item from Indian in the category of handicraft. The work takes too long to finish as it is one of the finest and detailed carving work. It is Persians who introduced this art in India. The use of copper and zinc forms the best alloy. Other metals used in bidri craft are gold, silver, and brass. The boxes are very famous all over the world and used as a multipurpose item. Bidri is an oxidized metal, texture and colors of the boxes are universally accepted. The art is simple yet more stylish and considered as a symbol of status.