Over centuries, we have seen thousands of variations in jewellery. Ranging from gold and silver. To even the handcrafted ones. Terracotta happens to be one of our early picks in this case. The history of Terracotta dates back to Mesopotamian and Egyptian times.
History of Terracotta
The literal meaning of terracotta is ‘baked earth’, as it is made out of natural clay.This gives it a reddish-brown color. It is then glazed to add durability to the article. A lot of ancient sculptures, namely the temples of Bishnupur, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Hooghly are terrific examples of the terrific creativity through terracotta.
Terracotta is a type of pottery that is baked after being formed when it is still in the clay form. In addition to being used to create beautiful items like vases, pots, and other items, terracotta is now increasingly being used to create a wide range of goods, including jewellery, smoking pipes, and bangles.
The very first form of terracotta creativity was pottery. Terracotta pottery is one of the oldest forms of pottery and was first made in China around 7000 BC. Terracotta pottery was very popular in the ancient world and was used for a variety of purposes including decoration, cooking and storage. Terracotta pottery is still popular today and is used for the same purposes too.. Pieces of décor using terracotta are one of the primary choices when it comes to our homes.
Terracotta in India
As I had mentioned before, parts of West Bengal and even Rajasthan are still producing beautiful terracotta artifacts. In reality, terracotta temples, artifacts, ceramics, and jewellery are among Bishnupur's most well-known attractions. The statuettes of Nataraj, Lord Ganesha, elephants, and exquisitely adorned jars are among the most sought-after goods. Gujarat is known as a center for producing great terracotta art. Votive clay figurines are used in Gujarati tribal cultures' customary rites. Additionally, a variety of votive clay miniatures have been discovered by archaeologists from the Gujarati city of Dholavira, which belonged to the Harappan culture.
Some areas in East Uttar Pradesh, like Nizamabad, are well known for their Terracotta art. A specific kind of locally obtained clay that turns black when dried in the sun is used to make terracotta items in the city of Nizambad. Gorakhpur itself is well-known for its red terracotta goods. The traditional terracotta craft has been practised by some of the most talented artisans for many years. In Gorakhpur, a little terracotta figure of Ganesha has become a tradition in the majority of Hindu homes. The terracotta artisans of Aurangabad, who have been working in this industry for five generations, are also well-known.
Making of Terracotta Jewellery
Making Terracotta jewellery might seem to be a simple and easier form of art, but it is a very labor-intensive job. From making the clay to reaching the final product, can be very tedious.
First, the earth is shaped into the appropriate form, and then it is baked in a kiln or in the sun. The ability to be moulded in a variety of ways prior to baking gives it its distinctiveness. You may sculpt terracotta into fashionable jewellery by yourself. In terracotta jewellery, many rough and glazed treatments can be applied. They have patterns embossed on them and are painted, sculpted, or have stones or beads placed in them. Different locations use different finishes on their finished products.
Fashion jewellery made of terracotta has a rustic, very earthy appearance. It is fashionable as a complement to both classic and modern casual attire. The items include pendants, chokers, bracelets, bangles, danglers, earrings, and necklaces.
Terracotta in the Present World
Terracotta art is progressively dying out as a result of the growing competition that contemporary jewellery poses in today's world. Additionally, the market for terracotta ceramics has shrunk as a result of the destruction of culture. However, the terracotta artisans are expanding their areas of expertise to create unique and cutting-edge goods that brilliantly showcase the mix of the ancient and the new. There are many additional things that are gaining appeal, from contemporary terracotta jewellery to home décor including tabletop, wall art, and terracotta lamps.
Here is where Diamante steps in. We are on a mission to bring these exquisite pieces of art in the limelight. Diamante offers an amazing range of handmade designer terracotta jewellery for an affordable price. The simple handcrafted, hand-painted styles of the terracotta jewellery not only complements the attires from an ethnic background, but the Western attires too.
Apart from jewelry, Diamante also carries a few stunning pieces of decor that you can purchase either as wedding favors or simply something nice to adorn your new house. From contemporary looking Terracotta jewellery to household decorations.
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