Collected from the Gangetic river beds by artisans and craftsmen, clay makes beautiful objects and majestic Gods. Carefully crafted, either sun-dried or baked in a kiln, the art of fashioning beautiful figurines and items from clay is an art form that is practiced throughout the breadth of the Gangetic plain and across the world.
Pottery may be one example of using clay, but fashioning idols or Gods is another art form altogether. Making idols that are worshipped by the people is a calling. Artisans create these figurines from clay and in doing so create an array of clay crafts that are popular throughout the world.
Most clay artists in India work with clay to make idols or murtis of the various Gods and Goddesses. This is the ultimate goal of the clay art form.
Let’s learn more about some of the artists working with clay, some of the communities around this art form in Bengal, and the ultimate destination of this material.
Sambhu Das is the grandson of legendary dollmaker Manmatha Das. Having migrated to West Bengal from Jessore, Bangladesh, he has carried forward the legacy of his family by creating these clay “putuls” or dolls.
Manmatha Das was honoured with the prestigious President’s Award in 1986 for his depiction of Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balaram. It is thanks to his efforts that the doll making has been preserved till this day and appreciated by many people.
Shri Sambhu Das continues to create pieces for The Bengal Store which you can check out here https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/clay-craft.
His depictions of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are very popular in this regard. He transforms humble clay into mighty Gods and Goddesses. We hope this artist’s work continues to touch hearts and inspire minds.
Again, the artisans of Krishnanagar are unique in transforming the humble clay from the river beds into beautiful Gods and Goddesses. Their hands work the soft clay into unique pieces that are worthy of worship.
These artisans are very clever in the way they construct their clay crafts. They add a unique perspective to the crafting process. Each piece is unique and special and is well-known for the detailing that it has.
A variety of depictions are made by the Krishnanagar artisans. They depict fruits, vegetables, animals, birds, Gods, and Goddesses to name a few of their expressions in clay.
Once again it is seen that the doll makers are playing a transformative role in changing clay into something that we keep at home and sometimes even worship.
To get a glimpse of a few more of their pieces visit https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/clay-craft.
Working with clay is a different and completely beautiful experience. The earth holds many mysteries and unfolding those mysteries is a part of the artist’s work. One of the ways in which an artist does that is by giving life to the clay, infusing it with the spirit of creativity, and crafting something special.
The majority of clay crafts depict Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. They are reverently and devoutly crafted with veneration in mind. People bow before this clay which is now believed to hold the spirit of a God.
Clay crafts from Bengal are special to the people living there. Every year around the time of autumn, the grand Durga Puja is held. Clay idols are made by craftsmen and prepared in readiness for worship. This is the epitome of clay, its ultimate destination, its crowning glory.
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