The arts and crafts in Uttar Pradesh are not famous only in India but all over the world. Right from the silken saris to the earthen pottery, carpet weaving to chikankari embroidery, Uttar Pradesh is always on the forefront in artifacts. Specific regions deal with the specific art or craft such as...

Chikankari of Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh

The delicate art of embroidery has its origin in the city of Nawabs. Its name has been derived from the Persian word 'chikan' meaning cloth wrought by needlework. Earlier it emerged as the court craft but with the keen efforts of the art lovers this craft was publicized and became the important commercial activity. The various patterns of the chikankari are muree, lerchi, keelkangan and bakhia. The charm of this craft lies in the minuteness, evenness and sheer excellence of craft as well as the use of white embroidery on white cloth. The motifs of chikankari range from mughal architectural design of buildings to vine themes and from birds to animals. The chikan kari work is usually done on the sari and kurta pyjama and is most suitable for summers..

Varanasi Brocade or Kinkab

There is no match to the rich Varanasi brocades created on the fine silk or cotton fabrics with the use of golden and silver thread on the 'pallas' (end pieces) and the field of sari. The gold thread with the silver background defines the grandeur and the geometric patterns in the 'butidar' and 'jaal' style just adds to its beauty. It has become a trend among Indian brides to have a few Benaras saris especially the deep red golden zari sari among its wedding attire.The design motifs of these brocades are intricate floral and foliage patterns, kalga and bel, and in sari pallas and dupattas a string of upright leaves called jhalar. The designs of the motifs vary according to the durability of cloth.

Stonecraft

The hub of the stone craft in India is Agra, the supreme example of which is Taj Mahal. The art of carving the thin marble slabs to make the fine lattice windows is the most difficult for the craftsmen. The other marble products available in Agra are mirror frames with lace like fringes, fretwork balustrades, bowls, garden furniture, etc. Another specialty of the Agra is the inlay work on marble with the colorful and precious stones to form a multitude of mosaics. When you visit the city, purchase some artifact to remind you of the trip, which may also used as a decoration piece in your room back at home.

Carpets

After the Persian and Arabian carpets it comes the turn of our local carpets prepared at Bhadohi, Shahjahanpur and Mirzapur. The majority of population in these areas is affiliated with the profession of carpet weaving. With the exotic designs of flora and fauna, Taj Mahal, "Kethariwala Jal", "Jamabaz", "Kandhari", etc. the industry has succeeded in attracting not only the national market but due to some attractive Chinese designs international market is establishing as well.

Art Metal Brass Ware

Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh produces large quantities of art metal ware. It is especially famous for its color enameling and intricate engraving. There are two types of engravings one is called nakshi and is done on the tinned surface while other is known as khudai and is done on lac coated unpolished brass. The pointed steel pencil is used to make design in khudai type. The metal brass ware consists of the traditional vases, Ganeshas, laughing Buddhas, stools, trays and contemporary beautiful bowls.The Natraja is the most beautiful article in the brass ware to be gifted and kept as a decorative item.

Glass Ware

Ferozabad has become synonymous with the name of glassware. Earlier only glass bangles were produced,but with the help of sophisticated machines the full-fledged glassware is produced. The entire populace is involved in this industry. Varanasi specializes in making the glass beads and exports most of the production. Similarly thin glass plates are produced which after cutting into pieces called "tikklu" are used by women to decorate their fabrics. In Saharanpur, intriguing glass toys are filled with the coloured liquid called rachkora and the mouth piece of hukka are produced. The glass bangles with multitude of colours matching with every dress is a most used ornament in the state.

Pottery

In Uttar Pradesh, Khurja has evolved its own style in the earthenware. By adding colour to the dull and unattractive pottery, Khurja gave a lease of life to it. The shades and the designs in contrast to its background can attract the attention of any person with an aesthetic sense. Apart from Khurja , Rampur surahis along with the water containers from Meerut and Hapur are famous all around the nation for their shapes , designs, colours and their ability to keep the water cold even during the harsh summer days.