| Clay fantasies of real-life; stylized, sometimes even
graphic in their representations, mark traditional Indian clay dolls and
toys. But the dolls and figurines of Krishnanagar in Bengal are unique in
their realism and the quality of their finish. Patronized by Maharaja Krishnachandra
himself in the late 18th century, they truly represent a breakaway from
the traditional form. Fruits, fish, insects, animals, birds, and of course
the entire pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, and even the ubiquitous Donald
Duck and other popular comic strip characters, faithful copies of real-life,
down to the minutest detail. Realistic recreations of everyday life, work,
mood and character- farmers, weavers, rag pickers, basket makers, umbrella
makers - are yet other specialties of Krishnanagar dolls. The resplendent image of Durga the Mother goddess, or a solitary Baul - Bengal's clay dolls rise beyond mere playthings, into an artist's dream. |
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