|
|
|
Bidri |
|
 The
most well known handicraft of Andhra Pradesh is
Bidri. It is an art of inlaying silver on black
metal. Believed to have originated in Iran seven
centuries ago, the black art reflects the sufi influence
even till this day.The Moghul royalty decorated
their weapons in bidri style.
Typical bidri items include plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket boxes, huqqa bases and jewelry. The black colour is the result of heating zinc and copper surfaces gently and applying sal ammoniac with old fort earth.
|
| Bronze
Castings |
|
 Metal
working has been transformed into a hallowed art
by the artisans of Andhra Pradesh. Icons of various
gods and goddesses are moulded to perfection in
bronze. The beauty and grandeur of these realistic
bronze castings are spellbinding to say the least.
|
| Ikat
Weaving |
|
 The
most unique and popular handloom heritage of Andhra
Pradesh is IKAT. IKAT weaving is a heritage craft
that even survives today. The IKAT weavers prepare
the yarn for weaving by dipping it in oil and then
weaving it into fabric. The semi- finished fabric
is waxed and covered in clay as per the design envisaged
by the weaver. This enables the subsequent dying
process to take place in a select, controlled manner.
Typical items include sarees, blankets, mats, carpets,
coasters, fancy bags etc.
|
| Pembarthi
Sheet Metal Ware |
|
 Pembarthy,
a five-century old art that descended from the practice
of embellishing chariots and statues is a popular
Brassware craft. With the passage of time and constant
adaptation to changing circumstances, the art has
absorbed all the good influences that came its way,
like the Islamic touch during the days of the Nizam.
Typical items of this sheet metal art are large
containers, frames and plaques.
|
| Wood
Carving |
|
 Endowed
with a rich forest cover, Andhra Pradesh has given
rise to several types of wood carvings. The themes
are gods, goddesses, figurines, birds, animals etc.
The minutely sculpted piece is breathtaking. Red
Sanders with its distinctive reddish brown appeal
is used in the making of panels and columns.
|
| Banjara
Needle Craft |
|
 Armed
with just a thread and needle, the tribal Banjaran
women transform any ordinary looking cloth into
a colorful piece of art. The distinctive feature
of Banjara works is the extensive use of mirrors.
Typical items include cushion covers, bags, shirts,
kurtas, bed spreads etc.
|
