Villianur Terracota Works are beautifully made handicrafts with locally available clay in Puducherry Union Territory. In these works, clay is partially dried and cast, moulded, or hand worked into the desired shape with high level of workmanship and design. The products are elaborately decorated and profoundly detailed and available in various shapes, designs for different end uses.
Some of the products include figures and figurines, lamp shades, dolls & idols of gods and goddess, plant pots, vases, tea and coffee sets, Jewellery, garden ware, sculpture or decorative items and various other products are common among the production.
Tableware and interior decoration is also fast gaining popularity among the Clay craft of Puducherry. Terracotta jewellery made in Puducherry is also a favourite buy for many, not only in India but, across the world.
The origin of the Craft of making terracotta toys in Puducherry is still an unrevealed mystery- although excavations in Arikamedu have brought to light that the terracotta toys surpasses in beauty even those of the Satavahanas. These craftwork is passed on for more than 20 generations.
First step in raw material preparation is the removal of small stones and other solid materials present in the clay. Then the three raw materials are mixed in different proportions, based on the type of the product.
In general the proportion of raw materials would be - Green clay : 20%, Thennal : 40%, Nice sand (savudu) : 40% . The raw materials are mixed thoroughly and kept for some time for curing which improves the finishing of the product to be produced. It is set to dry in the shade for 12 hours for curing.
To improve the durability of the produced product, it is kept under the fire for half an hour. Materials used for firing the statue are Poda Husk, Wooden powder and Saanam. After firing the hot ware is covered with sand to cool.
The tallest product which they make is of horse, which is 6 feet in height. The specialty of the horse is that its tail, the ear, the head and the four legs can be removed separately. The smallest product which they make is of 1 inch in height. It is a small idol of Ganesha made by hand.
The specialty of the Villianur Terracotta works is the proper proportion of the figure and the motifs used on the product. They change the designs according to the generation and the consumer wants. They are known for the minute works on the idols or products.
GI Tag Registration Date : 18 August 2011
GI Tag Number : 201
Certificate Number : 154
Geographical Area : Puducherry
Special Cover Release Date : 28 September 2021
Cancellation : Villiyanur 605 110
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : TN/22/2021
Each cover is numbered and in total 2000 covers are issued. This cover had an embossed image of the Horse Toy of Villianur Terracotta works.
Enlarged View of Illustration
Enlarged View of Cancellation
Back Side Scan
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