Spotlight on Terracotta

Alright, trivia time! What is common between a Bankura horse and an Ayyanar horse?  Anyone? 
If you guessed Terracotta horses, then you are absolutely right! 

South Indian terracotta horse. image via

 I want to turn the spotlight on to Terracotta - perhaps, the oldest known art form to mankind!

At home. Photo credits: Uj, my better half.

The Italians take credit for nomenclature. “Baked earth” or Terra cotta was the earliest used serve ware by man. In India, the use of terracotta has evolved past simple pottery to the creation of complex figurines with breathtakingly beautiful details. While most Indian art forms are regional in their origin, utility and allure, Terracotta is not!  Terracotta has flourished as a nationwide art form with village potters engaging in this craft all over India. However, there are singular regional differences in style and design. 

Beautiful Bankura horses. image via

The Bankura horse of Panchmura, West Bengal is known for its elegant stance while the Ayyanar horse of Tamil Nadu has made a name for itself based on its mythical interest. The Bastar terracotta elephant of Madhya Pradesh has a striking form and the terracotta products from the tribes of Gujarat differ entirely in detail from the ones mentioned earlier. 

Bastar Terracotta. Image via

One art form – and so many variations and there in lies the appeal of Indian terracotta accents!  Want to learn more?  Click  here, here and here.

What I love the most about terracotta is the orange tint, the earthen allure, the rustic appeal and its simplicity! Makes it easy to find a place for a terracotta accent in your home, indoor or outdoor - yes, even if your décor style is Pottery barn chic! Next time you are in India, scout your local Haat or Bazaar and buy a terracotta horse, an elephant or an urn. You cannot go wrong and this I promise!    

A corner from my home. Photo credits: Uj, my better half

Or get creative like Supriya did - Supriya found these terracotta figurines in Ten Thousand Villages..where she routinely discovers uncommon colors, textures and shapes. Ten Thousand Villages supports fair trade practices that are good for people and good for the earth, by encouraging artisan partners to use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources and recycled materials. Terracotta is a prime example.

Snap shots from Supriya's home - gorgeous aye?

So, spruce up that unused corner with a few floor cushions and throw in a terracotta figurine or a planter. Simple ways to make a big impact!  Grouping similar objects is also a great way to add that extra punch! 

A corner from my home. Photography: Uj, my better half

With Diwali right around the corner, don’t forget to stock up on the traditional terracotta diyas – nothing says Diwali quite like those earthen lamps!

……and talking about Diwali, stay tuned for our upcoming Diwali posts – that’s right! We want to inspire you to take your Diwali planning up a notch this year–right here at Aalayam!

Cheers!

Deepa

"Indian"izing your living space!

Do you often ponder how to add a touch of "India" to your living space? Do you miss the rich colors, the deep textures, and the vibrant accessories that create a melody in your heart..whenever you browse through the aisles of World Market or Ten Thousand Villages? Symbols so reminiscent of the iridiscent diversity of Indian decor? Then..I am one of your kind.

Here's a visual journey..a traverse through my living room which I have "Indian"ized. A touch of grandeur to give me and my family a taste of India as I walk in the door everyday...

Start with the statement piece - it could be a vintage statue that you found at a thrift store that captures the colors you love, or a intricate carved center table you discovered on craigslist that you refurbished and polished.

Group similar pieces together. Find unconventional ways to display artifacts. Capture the essence of colors, themes and contrasts. Is Red your favorite color? Does the vibrancy of the hue remind you of paprika and warm spicy curry? Then pick bold red accessories, statues, idols, flower pots - group them together and create a vignette.

Don't forget the softscaping! Pillows and fabric based accessories add texture - that creates the visual interest in any living space. Texture instantly transforms your space from blah to having chutzpah! With internationalization of markets, you will be surprised to find how affordably you can decorate your space with the flavor of India.

And..the piece de resistance! The seating. Your options are virtually unlimited. The key is to think out of the box. I personally do not like couches. Low seetees, rattan furniture and quirky looking chairs (read Ikea and World Market) work great if you want to add that touch of whimsy to your living space, while on a budget. 

I do love the structure and the texture these outdoor seating chairs and ottomans bring to my living room. Add some tailored cushion covers custom-made in your current favorite color, and ambient lighting, and there! all of a sudden - you have your very own piece of desi nirvana that no one else has! 

Enjoy your living space. You deserve the joy it will bring you.

Love,

Supriya