1. DECORATIVE ARTS
Submitted to
Dezyne E’cole College
By
Ms. Rubina D’souza
Towards the completion of 3 years of program of BS.c. I.D.
DEZYNE E’COLE COLLEGE

2. ndia is a federal union of states, comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. It is a place with unity in
diversity. People of different religion, cast, languages, etc reside here together. They belong to different states and
regions of India. Every state have their distinct culture and art, which differentiate them with other state, yet they all
have some features in common which unites them together. These twenty-eight states of India are divided into 5 parts by
east, west north, south and central India.
Different features, folk art and craft of these states can be differentiated and used for designing varied interior
spaces to give a feel and look of that particular state. Art and crafts of states according to region are divided into northern,
southern, western, eastern and central areas:
Northern region
North India is a loosely defined region in the northern part of India. He dominant geographical features of North India are
the Indo-Gangetic plain and the Himalaya. The states of north India include: Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and
Himachal Pradesh. The folk art and crafts of these states of northern region coincides of features in common with each
other and these are:
Pottery one of the From utensils to toys to decorative pieces, clay forms the most essential ingredient on which
the potter literally survives
Embroidery, Weaving and Handlooms --- Haryana is quite famous for its woven work, the women wove shawls, robes,
durries and lungis .The Haryana shawl is known as "Phulkari", bagh, Chope. Pashmina shawls of Himachal Pradesh are
world famous. Kashmir is known to be the world of carpets. Rugs are the traditional handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh that
are made with the unprocessed wool of the reared sheep and goats. Needle works are called Phulkari. The hand fans are
made almost in the same way as the Phulkari. The yarn used normally is silk, wool or silk and wool.
Sculpture-- Rock and stone were the most common subjects for the development of art, right from the Maurya
period to Harshavardhana to the Mughal
Metal and Stone Work in Himachal---the metals embellish this area art are brass, copper, iron, tin and bell metal.
A unique metal art comprise Mohras
Stone Stone work in Himachal is not only confined to temple structures, because of the varieties of stones that are
available in the hills
Thangkas and Wall Paintings are famous art of himachal pradesh
Wood Craft-- Bamboo basket making in itself is a unique of this region. Pahari artisans use to make complex jalis, trellis
work or perforated reliefs that allows light to filter through it. The wood work of Punjab has also been traditionally
famous. Artistic beds with comfortable, skillfully made, back rests fitted with mirrors and carved colorful legs called.
Straws are used to weave mats, rugs, carpets, curtains and hand fans. Lampshades, tables and chairs and are generally
inexpensive examples of basketry.
Paintings- the Kangra style of Paintings, The Persian style gains prominence and is linked with murals. The lively
state of Punjab is endowed with many men of talent who are experts in the field of the "Mural Paintings, Frescoes
and other Arts" that have added to the glory of the region
Leather craft
Traditional Chamba chappals, plain or embroidered, are exceptionally comfortable to wear. They are embroidered
with multicolored threads red, black, green, yellow and blue, and imitation Zari (gold thread).
The Mud Works is an ancient practice in Punjab. The art of mud wall painting is known as Chowk-Poorana in the
Punjab
I

3. The Juttis made in Punjab are world famous the motifs of The Juttis of Punjab are embroidered with threads of
silver and gold
The colorful "Parandis" adds to the vibrant and dynamic character of the state of Punjab.
Chain stitch, be it in wool, silk or cotton, is done by hook rather than any needle.
Central region
The central region is the heart of India, and consists of varied arts. The states of central India include: Uttar pradesh,
Madhya pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal. The folk art and crafts of these states of central
region are:
Bamboo and cane utility articles such as agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools and baskets are made of
bamboo. Bamboo thickets are common sight in the State and tribals of Chhattisgarh have been putting their craftmanship
to work. The artisans of Bihar have been very skilful in creating articles from local materials. Baskets, cups and saucers
made from bamboo-strips or cane reed are painted in vivid colors are common articles found in Bihari homes
Floor covering The floor coverings of Madhya Pradesh consist mainly of durries and carpets in a rich variety of designs.
The basic technique of weaving durries is its most primitive form. Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has carved a niche for
itself in the weaving of carpet.
Iron craft practice the tradition of offering horses, swings, trishuls etc. made out of iron, to gods on fulfillment of their
wishes.
Jute, jute is the cheapest and most important of all textile fibers. . Jute handicrafts items include hanging lamps, baskets,
flower vases, swings, hammocks, purses, table mats and footwear etc
Metal craft Metal ornaments boxes of Bundelkhand, lamps of Sarguja, rice measure bowls animal figurines of Raigarh,
sculptures of Bastar are a few examples of the ingenuity of crafts persons of Madhya Pradesh. Elegant craft of silver
filigree work is also practiced in Cuttack. Silver is extended and drawn into fine wires and foils forming into ornaments.
Cuttack is also well known for its horn work
Papier mache the main centre for papier mache is Ujjain
Stone carving the sculptured stone temples of Khajuraho, the monuments of Orchha and Gwalior, all stand testimony to
the excellence and originality of the stone carvers of Madhya Pradesh. This area supplies in abundance the blue black pot
stone from which artisans craft Buddhist icons, images and household articles like the pestle, the mortar kharal
Leather toys Delightful looking in various forms, skillfully crafted and gaily painted, the stuffed leather toys of Madhya
Pradesh are a very attractive. Leather shoes, jutties, leather bags, mushk etc are made.
Terracotta Pottery has been called the lyric of handicrafts. It symbolizes man's first attempt at craftsmanship. The colors
of terracotta articles and figures vary from pink, red, brown to light and dark grey.
Wood craft The art of wood carving has flourished in many parts of Madhya Pradesh, and the beautifully embellished
wooden ceilings, doors and lintels with finely carved designs are silent testimonials of its glory. The woodcarving art has
been flourishing in Chhattisgarh from time immemorial and one can find beautifully carved wooden products designed by
the craftsman of the State. The skillful craftsmen of the State carve beautiful wooden ceilings, doors, lintels etc using
different kinds of wood like shish am, dhudi, sal and kikar. One of Bihar's ancient industries wood inlays continues to be
done with different materials, metal, ivory and stag-horn. Artists create decorative pieces like wall hangings, table tops,
trays, and a number of utility articles with inlay work
Zari work The craft of Zari work is concentrated in Bhopal, which is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship

4. Painting Traditional wall paintings of the State are associated with rituals. Floors and walls are painted with colors and in
almost every instance the depiction being associated with some ritual. Pithora paintings are a common traditional art form.
Paintings one of the art forms of Bihar, the Madhubani School of Painting. Mithila Folk Painting of Madhubani, Bihar is a
good example of it. Sujini and Khatwa Embroidery belong to Bihar. Pattachitra, a form of traditional painting of Orissa, is
a unique craft. Palm Leaf writing, the ancient art of palm leaf writing still survives in Oriyan houses or in a temple.
Garhwal, is famous for Mughal style of paintings introduced by a Mughal Prince
Bell Metals The Bastar tribal are famous in making bell metal arts which are crafted by hand through the vanishing wax
technique. These handicrafts include items like elephant, deer, horses etc., of various sizes.
Fabric Kosa silk is a type of silk which is basically produce in central India in Chhattisgarh region.Kosa silk is known for
its comfort and popular in other countries. Bihar has made its name in textile printing which is done on cotton, wool and
silk. Some districts and towns for example Bhagalpur, Bihar Sharif, Darbhanga, Saran and Patna are well known for this
craft
Lacquer ware In Bihar lac has been used for making beautiful items like boxes and bangles etc since ages.
Sikki Work The humble blade of grass is hand-woven into the delightful baskets and mats
Bihar also has tradition of leather craft, tikuli making and papier –mache art. Beautiful objects are crafted in traditional
and floral designs with bright colors. Religious scenes and gods and goddesses are also painted especially on papier-
mache articles.
The traditional Dhokra work is a typical tribal craft in bronze with its mesh-like features giving it a distinctive beauty.
Appliqué Art, Like Pattachitra, appliqué work in Orissa also originated as a temple art.
Colored cloth, are stitched in shape of animals, birds, flowers and beautiful wall, garden or beach umbrella, a lamp shade
and much more hangings are made.
Eastern region
East India is a region of India consisting of the states of Assam, Bengal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal
pradesh, and Sikkim. And the art and craft consists of:
Bamboo and Cane crafts The Khasis are known for creating attractive cane baskets and sieves. The forests in Nagaland
are rich in Bamboo and cane. Naturally therefore, Nagas are expert basket makers. Nagas also make mats and shields with
bamboo. Bengal’s very own tradition in creating everyday and fancy articles from bamboo and cane is rich and varied.
The famous cane cap & head gear are available for different tribe of the State. While carrying Basket, Marketing Basket,
varieties of design & utility product viz. Cane chair, Cane Table, Cane Racks, Cane Cradle, Cane Murrah ,
Textiles Spinning and Weaving in Meghalaya is the exclusive monopoly of women. The endi silk produced in Meghalaya
is famous for its texture and durability. The art of weaving is primarily the domain of the female folk of Nagaland. The
women of Nagaland design beautiful patterns on pieces of cloth to make them colorful and attractive. The excellent design
patterns on the Angami Naga shawls bears relic to the unique artistic skills.
Wood carving The men folk of Nagaland produce excellent pieces of wooden work. The artists carve exquisite designs on
the wooden pieces. The figures generally carved are mithun head, hornbill, human figure, elephant, tiger etc. while
elephant and tiger denotes physical prowess. The wood carving in Sikkim is symbolic of true art of India. Throughout
Sikkim, one can trace monasteries and buildings, festooned with symbols and icons carved in wood.

5. Pottery is not very popular. There is no revolving wheel; the Nagas make their pots by the use of hands only. Black
smithy or metal works, though a comparatively recent craft, is more popular. The smiths produce the normal requirements
of villagers like the Dao, axe, sickle, knives, spear points and butts etc. The Konyaks are the best blacksmiths.
Brass & Bell Metal A many-splendored craft of West Bengal. Handed down to generations of metalworkers. The metal
work is another industry that has flourished in the north eastern state. Copper, one of the earliest known metals was
transformed into alloys like bronze, brass and bell metal. Bell-metal and brass have been the most commonly used metals
for the Assamese artisan
Dhokra The Dhokra or Dhokra group of tribal craftsmen who range through the landscapes of Bengal, Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh – give us a timeless heritage of beautifully shaped and ornamented products of cast metals.
Horn Work The early pages of Indian civilization are full of descriptions of ‘horn combs’, which adorned the tresses of
women in ancient times. Bengal horn work is still a fascinating craft.
Jute Products Jute, the ‘golden fiber’ has traditionally been woven and knotted and braided by women of Bengal, Jute as a
fabric was much popular in ancient times. Today Bengal is not only a major producer of jute goods ranging from plush
jute-blended carpets, to decorative tapestries, garden pot hangings, decorative hand bags, bedspreads and more.
Masks & Puppets Once upon a time, priests masqueraded as gods, demons or spirits.. Today they are more popular as
items of interior decoration. Masks have been widely used in folk theatres and bhaonas with the materials ranging from
terracotta to pith to metal, bamboo and wood
Sholapith Bengal is famous for its Sholapith items for marriages & festivals and serve as decoration items for wall
hangings etc.Though Assam is mostly known for its exquisite silks and the bamboo and cane products, several other crafts
are also made here.
Handlooms Assam is the home of several types of silks, like Muga, paat.
appliqué work, batiks, a fine collection of dolls specialties of Sikkim.
Carpet The carpet making is one of the important occupation in the districts The women folk are engaged in this trade.
The items produced are wall hanging, cushion pad, telephone pad, floor covering etc. Sikkimese' practice of weaving is
probably the oldest form of carpet weaving in the world. The women of the Bhutia community are said to be expert carpet
weavers. The traditional pattern of weaving requires a frame loom
Painting Tangkha painting in one of the most artistic craft, it is prevalent mainly in Buddhist dominated area like Tawang.
Handicrafts
There are a number of crafts found in Meghalaya and the significant ones are cane and bamboo work, artistic
weaving and wood carving. Weaving is an ancient craft of the tribals of Meghalaya - be it weaving of cane or
cloth. The Khasis are famous for weaving cane mat, stools and baskets. They make a special kind of cane mat
called 'Tlieng',
Nagaland is famous for producing excellent pieces of pots from mud
Bengal is known all over the world for its expertise in art and craft. Its skill in architectural splendors to its
excellent works on woodwork, terracotta, paintings, textile run unparallel. Pottery, brass and copperware,
embroidery, tapestry, hand looms, fine muslin and silk artistry, wood carving, cane works etc
Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of Bamboo and Cane Handicrafts and also Wood Carving and Carpet
Weaving. The Beads ornaments making practiced by women folk, the main raw-material used in "GRASS
BEADS

6. The native Sikkimese weaves various striking designs and patterns. They weave woolen blankets, bags, shawls
and jackets with the reflection of their mastery over the art. The 'thankas' (traditional tapestry), leather works,
multicolored
Tripura is well known for the Rock Cut Carving, Bamboo and Cane Work, Jewelry, Sculpture and Paintings.
These arts and crafts products of Tripura are an excellent way to decorate the interiors of one's home.
Southern region
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as
the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.
The crafts of Andhra Pradesh are well known for their aesthetic and utilitarian value. The handicrafts epitomize the rich
cultural heritage of the state.
The Banjara Needle Craft (embroidery) belong to the nomads and wanderers and the embroidery of this form is very rich
and flamboyant.
The Bidri Craft originated in Hyderabad of Andhra Pradesh. It involves silver work on metals, which is intricate.
Bronze castings are bronze idols, which are based on verses from the Shilpashastra.
The Budithi Brassware is also an exquisite craft of the state, which originated in a small village called Budithi. Budithi is
well known for creating beautiful shapes out of alloy
The Metal crafts of Pembarthi originated in the small village of Pembarthi, The intricate brass work flourished here during
the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty.
The Durgi Stone craft began its journey from Durgi. stone craft is found in the Nagarjunakonda museum.
An important craft in the state is the silver filigree work. The town of Karimnagar is famous for this craft. The perfume
containers, pan daans, hookahs, jewel boxes etc reflect the excellent craftsmanship and the dexterity with which the work
is done.
Andhra Pradesh is also known for its excellent handlooms. Handloom of Andhra Pradesh with its sheer color has become
a craft in itself. The saris of the state have their own style and have developed for generations. The Chirala textile is a
remarkable craft of the state.
Bead embroidery on textiles is also very famous. They are embellishments on fine fabrics and this type of embroidery is
usually done on sarees and blouse pieces. White and colored beads are usually used on dark and bright shades to bring out
the beauty of the bead design. Jangaon is renowned for this craft.
Western region
West India (Western India) or the Western region of India consists of the states of Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra
Rajasthan, along with the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is highly industrialized,
with a large urban population.
Jaipur is famous expert centre for precious and semi-precious gem stones. Rajasthan excels in a wide range of
ornaments-using Emerald, Diamond, Pearls, Garnet, Agate, etc. made especially in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Meenakari is the art of enameling on gold or silver and is done in Jaipur using the raised-field style. Kundan is the art of
setting precious stones in gold. There is a large variety of bangles in Rajasthan

7. Textiles Rajasthan textiles come in an attractive range of hand - block prints, tie and dye and embroidered fabrics with
mirror work. The most popular Gujarat textile styles are: Patola, The famous Patola weaving of Patan is known for its
colorful geometrical pattern.Bandhej (tie and dye fabric), the tie-dyed fabrics of Gujarat are perhaps the best produced in
India, Also known as Bandhej. Jari; Surat is one of the biggest and the most important Jari manufacturing centre of India.
Block-printing Rajasthan has a long and distinguished tradition of printing with finely carved wooden blocks
Embroidery Embroidered torans, odhnis, shawls, ghagras (long, flowing skirt) and blouses that come to life with colorful
motifs and the sparkle of tiny mirrors or shishas, are a mandatory part of their bridal dowry.
Carpets woolen druggets or 'Namdas' and hand-woven cotton duries also known as 'Panja' durries are the popular floor
coverings.
Leather ware Rajasthan has a long history in leather craft and industry and leather shoes known as jootis or mojdis are
made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Embroidery known as kashida is done on the jootis
Marble Carving / Paintings Marble from Rajasthan has been used for construction of famous monuments like Taj Mahal.
Marble objects range from decorative plates to boxes and animal figures. White marble is painted, sometime with real
gold. Even miniature paintings are done on marble. Jaipur is the main centre for exquisite marble objects
Ivory Carving The bangles were worn to cover the whole arm and they decreased in size from just below the shoulder to
the wrist.
Pottery An array of terracotta articles are produced in Rajasthan: paper-thin pottery, painted pottery, white and red clay
articles and terracotta wall plaques,
Puppets Kathputlis or wooden puppets are a common and popular form of entertainment in the villages of Rajasthan. The
puppeteer is the storyteller who unwinds a folk tale or an episode from the Hindu epics - the Ramayana or the
Mahabharata
Metalware The metalware of Rajasthan comprises of artistic, enameled and engraved silverware and metalware.
Gujarat is especially known for its Saris. Different styles of sarees available in Gujarat are: Brocade, Tanchoi,
Gharchola and Panetar, Patola.
The different arts and crafts found in these regions of India can be efficiently used in interior designing of any room,
house, restaurant, retail spaces etc.accourding to the requirement of space.