Terracotta crafts on display. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 18: The thousand-year-old delicate terracotta craft has gradually moulded itself as an excellent piece of décor for home interiors and gardens.

However, what most people prefer these days is a touch of modernity to the ancient craft. So, after slight modifications, the baked earth gets a to find a place in plush homes in the capital. Over a period of time it has evolved as one of the priceless possessions for art lovers.

These attractively sculpted figurines look beautiful in any corner of the room. Among the most common showpieces are the terracotta flower vases. Without doing away with the traditional touch of terracotta vases, the artisans have given it a new look by designing it with acrylic textures, spray paints and floral motifs. Some of the vases come with paintings of traditional women or even Arabic notations and contemporary art.

Asymmetricalsly designed pots and jars are finding a place in the homes of art lovers. These clay pots are often brightly designed with paintings of Lord Krishna, Meera bai, Lord Ganesha and other mythological figures and themes.

Tiny baked-clay showpieces of animal forms and women figurines, which were popular since Mohenjodaro era, are still a favourite among home decoration items. The capital is experimenting with terracotta designs as people adorn their garden areas with huge figurines of Buddha.

“Despite being delicate, people still buy a number of terracotta showpieces because of their high aesthetic appeal. Another reason for the high sale is because these artefacts are easy on the pockets,” said Prakash, salesperson of Orupa. The terracotta showpieces are priced anywhere between Rs 50 and Rs 20,000 depending on the size of the product and intricacy of the work.

“I love wind chimes and I have placed a terracotta wind chime just in front of the entrance of our house. It not only looks pretty but is also considered auspicious,” said homemaker Radha Padhi.