Horn articles of Odisha are mystical and are blended with a superb fashion design. Their lively appearance, dynamism and animation vie with the real objects of nature – that spells the names of Parlakhemundi and Cuttack.

There are artisans in Odisha who are dexterous in providing articles of daily use like combs, flower vases and pen-stands out of the horn of cattle. The horn is polished smooth, and then shaped into various Corms. Cranes, lobsters, scorpions and birds made of horn are finished to a nicety.

Their surface throws off a dark somber sheen and the catch the attention of all art-lovers. The horns, that are mostly from buffaloes and cows require a high degree of skill and imagination in application. The artisans who excel in this art have used the specific texture of this material t mold all sorts of objects with a marvelous degree of fluidity in movement. You can find all horn work from Odisha here at Odisha shop.

‘Applique’, which is a French term, is a technique by which the decorative effect is obtained by superposing patches of coloured fabrics on a basic fabric, the edges of the patches being sewn in some form of stitchery. It is distinct from what is known as patch work in which small pieces of cut fabrics are usually joined side by side to make a large piece of fabric or for repairing a damaged fabric. Though the form is not unknown in other parts of India, it is Odisha and specially in Pipli that the craft has a living and active tradition continuing over centuries.

Giant-sized umbrellas of applique work are produced for use on festive occasions. Also used as garden umbrellas in sprawling lawns, they lend grace and colour to any gathering. Heart-shaped fans, big and small canopies and wall-hangings are also prepared out of applique work.

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. Temples and other religious institutions extensively patronized this art. In fact the basic inspiration for the art form was mainly religious in nature.

Sourced from internet.