The Functional Art Of Terracotta

Terracotta, the first creative expression ofThe basic features which are still holding the
civilization, man's first attempt at craftsmanship.millions of years old craft of terra cotta and which
Terracotta, a form of art that is consideredlead to its flourishing success yet are the simplicity
magical in ancient India for its atavistic natureof the process and its eco-friendliness. The
which incorporates five elements - earth, water,simpler process of creating a finished product and
air, fire and ether.the reusable mold-making techniques places it on a
Terracotta is basically a ceramic. Etymologicallyhigher position to bronze sculpture. As compared
Italian, terracotta means "baked earth" or "firedto the stone works like marble, terracotta
earth". But the term 'terracotta' is also used toproducts are far lighter. Hence, terracotta bells
refer to the particulars made out of it. The craftand terracotta clocks could be easily put
of terra cotta involves using clay to prepareanywhere as compared to the marble ones.
reddish brown unglazed earthenware firing itA village in India without a potter creating miracles
through a very high temperature. The reddishof terracotta would be a long search, may be a
brown color is basically because of the presencenever-ending one. Products for daily use,
of iron. Other colors include yellow, grey and pink.decorative items like murals, masks, clocks, bells,
The history of sculptor and pottery started withtiles, pots, molded bricks, sculptures in
terracotta. From the petty earthen pot for thetemples……….the range of
trivialities of daily use to the idols they worship,terracotta products is a wide one. The fable of
terra cotta occupied an important place in therich Mother Earth, imparts the medium, terracotta,
lives of the people of ancient India, without whichwith such a high degree of mouldability and
life would come to a stand-still for them. In theadaptability that beauty of form, color and
Indian sub continent terracotta art bearstexture varies across the length and breadth of
testimony to the varied and ancient traditions ofthe country, and across the world.
its practice over five millennia. Harrappa andThe mask culture dating back to the pre-historic
Mohenjodaro civilization bears the evidences ofrock paintings of 3000 B.C. has traveled down the
the antiquity of the craft terracotta.ages and is still alive in the form of terra cotta
But the domain of the craft of terracotta is notmasks. Tribal terracotta masks still form a part of
confined only to India. The art of terracotta hastheir community celebrations. Handmade terra
defined a culture for generations in Imprunetta ofcotta masks depict myriad expression. Decorative
Italy where the craft is still blooming. Beginning insmall terracotta bells and clocks, terra cotta
the 15th century and continuing through the 18th,masks and murals, placed anywhere, or mounted
Italian sculptors raised terra cotta to a status ofin beveled glass, make an interesting statement in
indomitable fame in the house of Europeanitself.
creative art. The terracotta stuff handcrafted byThe presence of terracotta tiles gives an earthy
them has the exquisity and antique traditionsand countryside look, and adds simplicity with
respecting the cultural and professional continuityelegance to the interiors, used wheresoever.
of the art. Among other countries makingTerra cotta tiles can be used in the foyer, living
extensive use of the art of terracotta are China,room, family room, terrace, balcony,
England, France, America and Africa (west). Thecorridors……any place where you
Terracotta Army of China (the terra cottawant the earthy feeling, the feeling of the five
soldiers), the Abduction of Hippodameia (frombasic elements of life. Terra cotta tiles can be
Greek mythology) in France, and the two buildingsused as paintings or wall hangings. A terracotta tile
of Victorian Birmingham in England bear testimonialmounted to a simple creamy background, focused
of this antique art of terra cotta.with good yellow lighting can create magical
The craft of terracotta in India is an epitome ofeffect.
religious expression conveyed through clay. MoldedTerracotta murals are a rage now. Making an
clay is converted to masks and murals capturingattractive visual focal point in a room, terra cotta
the sculptor's imagination. Nevertheless, alwaysmurals can adorn both exteriors and interiors.
existing outside the rigid rules of the constitutedAdding a terra cotta mural to our living room,
Hindu canons governing artistic expression, the artwhere we can entertain friends can be a fantastic
of terracotta enjoys enormous freedom in termsidea to earn compliments!
of imagination and conception which lead to theAlso known as 'waterproof ceramic', terracotta
parturition of a wide variety of sculptures withsprings from earth, air, water and fire, the
the tag of 'beauty and ethnicity' attached to it,elements comprising the universe. Its antiquity, its
for good. In the world scenario, the most famousbeauty, its adaptability and its simplicity earned
terracotta sculptures are those of the Terracottaterra cotta the famous tag of the "Lyric of
Warriors in China.Handicraft".indianhandicrafts.co.