A file picture of a handicraft item showcased at the fair

From one capital to another, Jharkhand’s handicraft is making a fair splash.

Thanks to Ranchi NGO Chotanagpur Crafts Development Society, master trainers Sapan Kumar Choudhary and Vinod Kumar flew to China on June 4 to take part in the five-day (June 6-10) China South Asia Exposition 2013, in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwest China.

Though the fair is organised for the 14th consecutive year, it is Jharkhand’s debut.

The duo, who are part of the NGO team mentoring 2,000 rural women artisans, are doing brisk business in Kunming, selling dokra items such as ashtrays, pen holders, candle stands, masks, idols, wall hangings and jewellery.

Back in Ranchi, NGO functionaries hope this won’t only boost the state’s tribal handicraft, but also give opportunities for bulk export orders.

“The fair started yesterday (Thursday) and we are already getting positive response from customers. The exquisite range of dokra artefacts and tribal jewellery is winning appreciation from everyone,” said Sumit Kumar, one of the NGO officials, who is in constant touch with the artists.

Dokra apart, jute and wood items are also earning raves. “Jute bags, files, handbags and wooden icons of Birsa Munda and Gautam Buddha are also on display,” Kumar said, adding all items were designed by the 2,000-plus tribal women linked with the NGO.

“Our organisation is participating in this fair under the aegis of Federation of Indian Export Organisation. In future, we aim to take part in other such exhibitions in France, Singapore, Canada, Brazil and Hongkong,” said Chotanagpur Crafts Development Society secretary B. Choudhary.