SNLP

16/01/2012

04/01/2012

Nirmal toys and paintings are one of the most well known products of this state. This unique form of craft is practised by the group of artisans who are called naqash living in the town of Nirmal near Adilabad.Nirmal painting started as representation of scenes from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata on its characteristic black background painted with gold colour and later adopted styles like Mughal and Kangra miniatures. Nirmal toys are typically known for being precise imitations of natural forms like birds, animals, fruits and vegetables. An extremely light wood called Poniki is used for making smaller products and teak wood is used for larger items.

30/12/2011

Check out the new product pictures uploaded..post your comments!!

30/12/2011

Wooden toys of A.P. are famous for their beauty and simplicity. In the hands of the artisan, wood becomes an expression for life itself .Armed only with a simple lathe machine ,along with skills passed down from generations and a desire to create something ethereal the artisan bends over a pieces of wood and carves it into intricate designs. The finesse of the work of these artisans is what differentiates them from others manufacturing wooden toys
Only eco friendly and non toxic paints are used making it absolutely safe for children.
How is it made:
The toys are made of soft ankudu and grained wood. The resin used for lacquering is mixed with vegetable dyes for pleasing shades like earthy yellow, chrome red leafy green etc. Great pride is taken in using natural colurs as anything less than that is considered an affront by the artisans towards their artistic sensibilities. Lacquering of toys is done on mechanical or hand held lathes, the latter being preferred for delicate items. Dry lac is pressed against wood and then pressed with heat. The wood is continuously rotated for letting the lac settle on the wood. The variety of colours used on a single piece and its radiance is a testimony of artisans skills.

19/12/2011

Originally started as puppet figures to entertain the village folk, the tradition of painting characters and stories from Indian mythology is at least a thousand years old. Puppeteers' dolls are masterpieces of folk art. Known by the name Tholu Bommalatha ('tholu' meaning leather), this form of shadow puppetry was practiced by gypsy tribes in Andhra under the Satvahana and Chalukya dynasties in the 6th century BC. This form became so popular that the art spread to several other countries of South East Asia. The leather puppet making technique bought to life mythology with its evocative narration through the medium of paintings, perforations and etching on leather. Artists have further evolved this technique to make a plethora of articles like lamp, mythological paintings, wall hangings appealing to modern sensibilities while keeping in touch with tradition.
How is it done?
Goat hide is used as it can be rendered transparent after treatment. Further it enables easy absorption of different colours and ensures longevity. The goat hide is treated with a solution of caustic soda and brine. After treatment organic colours available locally are used to paint exquisite designs on leather.
Articles available: "
Lamp shades
Floor lamps
Wall hangings
Paintings
Puppetry