Bengal is a world of diverse art and culture. Often considered to be the central hub of a variety of artforms and techniques. One such artform that can be found all over Bengal is clay craft. From sculptures to idols to dolls, these creations are not only a testament to the skill and hard work of the artisans but also an archive of the socio-cultural evolution of the region over the years. Bengal’s clay crafts offer a very interesting glimpse into the region's artistic diversity and historical significance.
Bengals tryst with terracotta is very old. You can find exquisite craftsmanship and intricate artwork like the ancient terracotta tiles which depict scenes from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata on temples or ornaments and utility items all over Bengal. The town of Bishnupur, in particular is renowned for producing some of the most unique terracotta handicrafts, and is known for its earthy finesse.
In the region of Rarh, where Dharmathakur is worshipped, there is no end to the symbolic use of terracotta and wooden horses. One of the most popular clay crafts that’s idiosyncratic to Bengal is the Bankura horse. A symbol of Bengal’s folk art, it comes from the Panchmura village in Bankura district. These terracotta horses are admired for their unique shape and intricate details. Traditionally these dolls were used during religious rituals but have now become popular decorative items. Made carefully by skilled local artisans, each sculpture is imbued with a distinctive charm since they are individually moulded by the artThe artisans mould these horses by hand, imbuing each piece with a unique character and charm.
Krishnanagar is a town in the Nadia district and is well-known for its beautifully unique clay dolls. Names after their place of origin, the "Krishnanagar dolls," frequently feature people from mythical tales and real life. These dolls have a very singular style and capture even the smallest details. The first records of the tradition originate from the 18th century, when Maharaja Krishnachandra commissioned local artists to produce these figurines. Collectors and art enthusiasts today hold Krishnanagar dolls in great regard.
The Purulia Chhau dance is traditional performance art that has been going on for several years. During this dance the performers wear clay masks made by local artisans. These masks are admired for their bold colours and exaggerated features. Every mask is painstakingly painted and embellished to depict a different character from Hindu culture and mythology. Clay mask creation is a practice that has been passed down through the years, with artisans constantly re-inventing their artform while preserving the traditional techniques.
The distinctive baked clay dolls of Joynagar Mojilpur, are made by one person only—Sambhu Das—grandson of the renowned doll-maker Manmatha Das. The Das family's ancestors moved to Bengal from Jessore, a district in Bangladesh's southwest years ago. Shambhu Das is the sole artist in Bengal who continues to create these exquisite dolls by hand, and he is fighting to prevent the extinction of this age-old and noble art form. In 1986, Manmatha Das received the esteemed President's Prize in recognition of his outstanding creations, Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra.
These figurines appear unique and dynamic because of the extensive use of colour. Garjan oil used on these dolls enhances their lustre and makes them more appealing to look at.
Shellac dolls, colloquially known as ‘Gaalar Putul’ used to be a very popular and unique craft of Bengal's Purba Midnapore District for decades. Brightly coloured and beautifully textured, these miniature dolls come in various forms of deities, animals, and humans. They are entirely handmade and are eco-friendly as well. Sadly, with the passage of time, the industrial mass production of dolls have pushed this exquisite art to the brink of oblivion. However, few passionate artists still exist and Brindaban Chanda, a sixty-two-year-old man is one of the very few artisans in Bengal who has still kept this age-old tradition alive, until this day!
Bengal's clay crafts are an amazing representation of the artistic legacy and cultural variety of the area. Every shape, such as the clay dolls of Krishnanagar or the terracotta temples of Bishnupur, conveys a different tale of imagination, talent, and tradition. In addition to giving many artists a means of subsistence, these crafts preserve Bengal's rich cultural heritage for upcoming generations to value and respect.
If you wish to have a few of these clay crafts in your own collection; proudly displayed in your home or office space then you can go through the vast collection at The Bengal Store. The ideal place for all your handmade Bengal products.
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