Glass handicrafts are an age-old mystique in India. Mythology refers to its existence in ancient India during the times of Mahabharat. Due to its ability to take any form and acquire scintillating colors, it gave new definitions to take craftwork during the Mughal era. Engraving on glass reached new heights during this period, which is reflected in the delicate foliated designs of the period. The Mughal rulers continued patronage gave a strong and creative impetus to the craft.
The legacy continues after hundred of years, as masterpieces continue to being made on India soil. Glass articles like bowl, tumblers and bottles are still crafted with unique ethnic craftsmanship and skill. Many other items like phials, jars, and lampshades come in colorful assortment of shapes and sizes. Glass bangles continue to be in vague, with innumerable colors and patterns. Enterprising craftsmen have successfully infused their traditional skills into more jazzy and contemporary designs, which is evident in the glass sculptures, ornate glass chandeliers, engraved crockery, snazzy Christmas decorative and other articles.
Indian glass handicrafts, with their unique synthesis of artistic craftsmanship and attentive detailing, have ?hand blown? their way all across the globe. The world famous Indian glass beads remain a specialty. The unique blend of glass and metal works to from outstanding articles like goblets and lampshades. While southern India's craftsmen continue to impress with there elaborate paintings on glass.
Archaeological discoveries in India reveal the existence of glass over 2000 years ago. Beads, tiles and conical flasks have been unearthed from a site discovered in Uttar Pradesh. Glass has also been mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Due to its ability to take any form and acquire scintillating colors, it gave new definitions to the art of glasswork during the Moghul era. Glass articles like bowls, tumblers and bottles for precious things, like Indian scents, were made. Other items like phials, bottles, jars and lamp chimneys are attractively made in a wide range of shapes.
Engraving on glass also reached new heights, which is reflected in the delicate foliated designs of the period. Glass bangles continue to be in vogue, with innumerable colors and patterns. Ferozabad, in Uttar Pradesh, has an entire community devoted to producing glassware and tableware in tasteful designs. Glass beads on the other hand are a speciality of Varanasi. The tukli technique in Patna involves decorative items on glass, with gold or silver pieces to fill the entire picture. In the south too, elaborate paintings on glass have gained popularity. |
