HANDICRAFTS IN UDAIPUR

 

Miniature Paintings

In Udaipur, Rajasthan, there are many craftsmen who have learnt this art from their forefathers, who were artists for the kings. The miniature artwork is very vivid with the use of thick lines, clear facial expressions, sharp features and muscular figures depicted with bright hues. The Mughal influence was harmoniously blended with Indian sensibilities to depict Indian culture. The name is derived from the minimum, or red lead, used by the medieval illuminators. Arising from a fusion of the separate traditions of the illuminated manuscript and the medal, miniature painting flourished from the beginning of the 16th century down to the mid-19th century.

 

Pichwai

The Pichwai is an intricate painting that depicts theatrical scenes from Lord Krishna's life. These Pichwai paintings are done with a natural brush made from animal hair or cotton threads. Originally Pichwai was painted on the handspun starched cotton fabric. The artisans would then sketch the art on that starched cloth. Then the decorative and beautiful images were created. The images were then ready to be painted with completely organic and natural colors, paints and even natural brushes.

 

Silver handicrafts

 In Udaipur pure silver handicrafts are made in which the base is of teakwood. The handicraft items comprises of silver furniture like silver sofaset, silver chair, silver centre table, silver swing, silver console table, silver bed, silver couch, etc  silver god idols, silver temples, silver photoframes, silver sculptures, silver chowki, silver bajot, silver palna, silver baby cradle, silver elephant, silver cow…. and many more.  First the wooden base / wooden mould is prepared with teak wood and carving is done over it. Then the base is covered with pure silver sheet with the help of nails and adhesives. Once the base is fully covered with pure silver sheet then design work is done over silver sheet which is called kandrai. Then finally laqor polish is done over it and if required cushion work is also done.

 

Marble Handicrafts

All marble handicrafts items in Udaipur are crafted by skilled craftsmen using simple tools by hand carvings on high grade Makarana marble, Ambaji white marble, Imported Vietnam marble.  Marble Handicrafts in Udaipur includes temples for home, god idols, marble modern art statues, marble inlay table tops, marble fountains, marble fruit bowls, etc. 

 

Silver jewellery

Udaipur is also famous for silver jewellery with meenakari work and jewellery with antique look.

 

Koftgari work

Koftagiri is the art of gold and silver wire inlay on iron objects. The technique involves encrusting one metal onto another. Lohars (metal workers), Sikligars (polishers) and Sonis (silver or gold smiths) worked on ornamented weaponry for Mughal and Rajput warriors. With koftgari work decorative daggers, decorative swords, daggers with fusion of camel bone work, etc are made.