Shopping In Rajasthan
Blue Pottery
Jaipur is the home of glazed Blue - Pottery which has its origins in Persia. Its distinctive feature is that no clay is used. It is used out of a mixture of Fuller's earth. Quartz and Sodium Sulphite. Jaipur is the home of glazed Blue - Pottery which has its origins in Persia. Its distinctive feature is that no clay is used. It is used out of a mixture of Fuller's earth. Quartz and Sodium Sulphite. The special turquoise blue co lour comes with the addition of Copper Sulphate and the deep blue from Cobait Oxide.The blue - pottery articles like flower vases, pots and jars, surahis, lampstands and even doorknobs, are decorated with traditional and arabesque motifs of animals, birds & flowers and are a shopper's delight.
Jewelry
The craftsmanship of the jewelers of Rajasthan is renowned all over. Silver is more commonly worn by the rural woen and is certainly more affordable for a shopper, although for the dedicated collectors, gold work of the highest quality is also available. Even the men in Rajasthan wear elaborate jeweler, perhaps even a bold earring dangling down. Bangles are a special attraction of Rajasthan. Lac bangles are believed to be worn as a sign of good omen and are available in many colors & designs. Glass bangles, made in great variety in Jaipur & Jodhpur, are perennially in demand and are available in most parts of the state. Kundan and enamel jeweler has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve ( raised field ) technique. The designs are mostly exquisitely entwined flowers and birds and sometimes human and animal figures is well known for its gold and silver enameling. This traditional art of Meeriakariis also done in Nathdwara. The thewa work of Pratapgarh is highly exquisite and popular, in this technique, designs are enameled in gold on a glass base. The base used is generally green or red in co lour.
Textiles Rajasthani
Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range ot dyed and block-printed fabric which are further. embellished by embroidery. Stunning, unusual combinations of scarlet and shocking pink, purple and orange, turquoise and parrot green, saffron and crimson, shot with gold and silver steal the limelight. Rajasthan is the heartland of hand-block printing. Sanganer in Jaipur is virtually flooded with block makers and printers. The art of Khan or overprinting in gold is also practiced here. Today, traditional vegetable and mineral'dyes are gradually being replaced by chemical ones. The town of Bagru excels in delightful circular designs in dark glowing vegetable colors printed on bed spreads, table linen and clothes. Textiles printed here have won the hearts of millions at home and abroad. The red, black and olive green, mosaic-like patterns of the Jajams of Chlttaurgarh are used for women's skirts & wraps and floor coverings. The women of Rajasthan have embroidering fabrics. Embroidery practiced in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The women of skar and Jhunihunu specialize in making patterns of animals. Chain stitch is popular in A!war. Dancing figures. Flowers and peacocks are the favourite motifs. Women of Barmer use mirrors, thus enhancino the beauty of the embroidered piece.
