Bhubaneswar, March 15: Young artists of the state got an opportunity to interact with Kesu Das at a programme organised by the JD Centre of Art (JDCA) yesterday.

Das has been instrumental in promoting the traditional art form of lacquer dolls of Balasore across the country.

Speaking on the hurdles in the way of making lacquer dolls, Das said: "The main problem is that adequate amount of lacquer is not produced in the state. Whatever is made is available at a price of Rs 1,200 per kg making it an expensive affair. Besides, artistes rarely take interest in making these dolls these days."

Bakleswari Kala Kendra, an organisation run by Das in Balasore, had initiated the symbolic marriage of two dolls to revive the tradition of making lacquer dolls.

"This is an age-old art practised by the people of Balasore. There was a time when the presence of lacquer items in the house was considered auspicious. Hence, we make it a point to organise the doll marriage every year to put focus on the art," said Das.

Das added that the tradition was gradually fading away and it was high time for steps to be taken to promote the art form.

Das also demonstrated the process of making these dolls. An exhibition of lacquer dolls was also held at the event.

The dolls were bright and colourful. The young artists seemed enthusiastic about knowing the variety of techniques used in making lacquer craft items.

"It was nice talking to an experienced artist such as Kesu Das. Earlier, I had only heard about lacquer crafts but here I got an idea about its history and ways to make it," said Archana Patnaik, one of the participants at the meet.