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Carved treasures
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Intricate wood carvings that fuse tradition and modernity are on offer at Bharatiyam
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CARVED IN STYLE: Basic models of mantaps. pics. M Periasamy.
AS YOU enter Bharatiyam, it's the artistic skills that attract you more than the products themselves.
Innovations come in the form of new designs and the dazzle of brass and copper inlay works.
The carved furniture and artefacts here beckon you to have a second look. Ultimately, they lure you to own them. "We stock the work of artisans from Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. We work with freelance artisans in Karnataka, who create a variety of carvings, gift articles, wall panels and inlay work on wood," say Pooja. S. Rao and Sudhakar Rao, who run Bharatiyam, the house of handicrafts, at R.S. Puram.
Contemporary designs
Though created in the villages, these handicrafts are contemporary. Eye-catching pieces include temple mantaps carved of teakwood that come in a variety of finishes.
The delicate brass inlay work beautifully executed on the carved corner stands is reminiscent of the floral borders in Mughal miniatures. A few sideboards have been embellished with brass outlay work with copper and brass floral motifs in relief.
A bear trio.
This, combined with delicately crafted inlay work, gives the furniture a stunning look.
A quiet stroll around Bharatiyam, taking in the range of items on display, is an eyeful. Name it and you'll find it here. If the idol of Lord Ganesha carved out of a single block of shivani wood is graceful, the bear trio shaped out of a single log of sheesham wood is equally appealing.
There are also works portraying mythological events such as the last supper, which is skilfully replicated.
"The trend of setting up puja mantaps at home is catching up in Coimbatore. The traditional puja room concept is giving way for these mantaps," says Sudhakar, who also designs mantaps.
The preference is for traditional designs from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The store also takes up orders for custom-made designs. The cost of a mantap starts at Rs. 1,700.
The mantaps are not restricted only to Hindu Gods. The store also undertakes orders for traditional Islamic and Christian designs. A wide range of marble dust idols is also available.
Adding to the traditional fare is furniture with inlaid work and wooden swings with intricate carvings, which are made to order.
"We are trying to create a market for rural artisans and display the best of handicrafts under a single roof," the couple adds. For details, call: 98432 14501 and 98430 14500.
K. JESHI
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Pondicherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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