Orissa Handicrafts
Applique
The brilliant appliqué work of Piplili and of Butapalli, Khallikote,
Tusra and Chikiti is known for its bold character and vitality. The craftsmen
of appliqué work fashion and art that is a by - word in pristine beauty.
The Pipili artisan deftly stitch traditional motifs of elephants, peacocks and
flowers on umbrellas, canopies and fans (tress) on cloth back - ground, to form
harmonious and colourful patterns, with embroidery work.
This traditional patch work art has been adopeted to suit modern living - gay
beach and gardern umbrellas with metal fabrications, lampshades, bedcovers bags
and other house hold linen with folk motifs in a wider range of vibrant colours
and quality material.
Appliqué has a long history in Orissa. It basically implies carryover
of impression from one textile matter to another. The art form typically depended
on four basic colours - red, white, black and yellow to produce a striking effect.
In recent years, green too has been applied vigorously enlivening the craft
even more. Themples and other religious institutions extensively patronized
this art. In fact the basic inspiration for the aart form was mainly religious
in nature.
The umbrellas and canopies for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and other deities
carry some of the finest examples of appliqué work from Orissa.
But with progressive modernization, tastes have also become secular in content.
Appliqué work tody, reflect thee modern trends and is flourishing industry.
