Discover the secrets of pottery


The Functional Art Of Terracotta

Terracotta, the first creative expression ofThe basic features which are still holding
civilization, man's first attempt atthe millions of years old craft of terra
craftsmanship. Terracotta, a form of art thatcotta and which lead to its flourishing
is considered magical in ancient India forsuccess yet are the simplicity of the process
its atavistic nature which incorporates fiveand its eco-friendliness. The simpler process
elements - earth, water, air, fire and ether.of creating a finished product and the
reusable mold-making techniques places it on
Terracotta is basically a ceramic.a higher position to bronze sculpture. As
Etymologically Italian, terracotta meanscompared to the stone works like marble,
"baked earth" or "fired earth". But the termterracotta products are far lighter. Hence,
'terracotta' is also used to refer to theterracotta bells and terracotta clocks could
particulars made out of it. The craft ofbe easily put anywhere as compared to the
terra cotta involves using clay to preparemarble  ones.
reddish brown unglazed earthenware firing it
through a very high temperature. The reddishA village in India without a potter creating
brown color is basically because of themiracles of terracotta would be a long
presence of iron. Other colors includesearch, may be a never-ending one. Products
yellow,  grey  and  pink.for daily use, decorative items like murals,
masks, clocks, bells, tiles, pots, molded
The history of sculptor and pottery startedbricks, sculptures in
with terracotta. From the petty earthen pottemples……….the range of
for the trivialities of daily use to theterracotta products is a wide one. The fable
idols they worship, terra cotta occupied anof rich Mother Earth, imparts the medium,
important place in the lives of the people ofterracotta, with such a high degree of
ancient India, without which life would comemouldability and adaptability that beauty of
to a stand-still for them. In the Indian subform, color and texture varies across the
continent terracotta art bears testimony tolength and breadth of the country, and across
the varied and ancient traditions of itsthe  world.
practice over five millennia. Harrappa and
Mohenjodaro civilization bears the evidencesThe mask culture dating back to the
of  the  antiquity  of  the craft terracotta.pre-historic rock paintings of 3000 B.C. has
traveled down the ages and is still alive in
But the domain of the craft of terracotta isthe form of terra cotta masks. Tribal
not confined only to India. The art ofterracotta masks still form a part of their
terracotta has defined a culture forcommunity celebrations. Handmade terra cotta
generations in Imprunetta of Italy where themasks depict myriad expression. Decorative
craft is still blooming. Beginning in thesmall terracotta bells and clocks, terra
15th century and continuing through the 18th,cotta masks and murals, placed anywhere, or
Italian sculptors raised terra cotta to amounted in beveled glass, make an interesting
status of indomitable fame in the house ofstatement  in  itself.
European creative art. The terracotta stuff
handcrafted by them has the exquisity andThe presence of terracotta tiles gives an
antique traditions respecting the culturalearthy and countryside look, and adds
and professional continuity of the art. Amongsimplicity with elegance to the interiors,
other countries making extensive use of theused wheresoever. Terra cotta tiles can be
art of terracotta are China, England, France,used in the foyer, living room, family room,
America and Africa (west). The Terracottaterrace, balcony, corridors……any
Army of China (the terra cotta soldiers), theplace where you want the earthy feeling, the
Abduction of Hippodameia (from Greekfeeling of the five basic elements of life.
mythology) in France, and the two buildingsTerra cotta tiles can be used as paintings or
of Victorian Birmingham in England bearwall hangings. A terracotta tile mounted to a
testimonial of this antique art of terrasimple creamy background, focused with good
cotta.yellow  lighting  can  create magical effect.
The craft of terracotta in India is anTerracotta murals are a rage now. Making an
epitome of religious expression conveyedattractive visual focal point in a room,
through clay. Molded clay is converted toterra cotta murals can adorn both exteriors
masks and murals capturing the sculptor'sand interiors. Adding a terra cotta mural to
imagination. Nevertheless, always existingour living room, where we can entertain
outside the rigid rules of the constitutedfriends can be a fantastic idea to earn
Hindu canons governing artistic expression,compliments!
the art of terracotta enjoys enormous freedom
in terms of imagination and conception whichAlso known as 'waterproof ceramic',
lead to the parturition of a wide variety ofterracotta springs from earth, air, water and
sculptures with the tag of 'beauty andfire, the elements comprising the universe.
ethnicity' attached to it, for good. In theIts antiquity, its beauty, its adaptability
world scenario, the most famous terracottaand its simplicity earned terra cotta the
sculptures are those of the Terracottafamous tag of the "Lyric of
Warriors  in  China.Handicraft".indianhandicrafts.co.



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