PM Narendra Modi to present Banarasi handicrafts to Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

      VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present famed geographical indication tagged handicraft products to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during their visit to Varanasi on December 12.  These exclusive Banarasi products include intricate brocade, Gulabi Meenakari (Pink enameled items), wood carving and soft stone craft undercut works.

"We have collected exquisite handicraft items of Banaras, which will be presented to the Japanese PM by our PM," said senior BJP leader Ashok Dhawan. The collection represents the rich culture of art and crafts of the city, he said adding, "It will be a delighted moment for to see these signature products of Banaras being presented to the visiting guest from Japan." "We have also requested to the people engaged in management for live demonstration of handicraft making at the Nadesar Palace, where the two PMs will stay for dinner," he added.

Two exquisite pieces of pink enamel art - an idol of Lord Ganesha and a peacock on wooden base are in the collection of gifts. The idol of Ganesha was made by Kunjbihari Singh of Lalghat area, and peacock was prepared by Balramdas of Prahlad Ghat area. Kunjbihari recently displayed his craftsmanship at the 55th General Assembly of International Bureau of World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva (Switzerland) held in October last year.

"Gulabi Meenakari is considered as the most alluring and technical of all metal decorations. Earlier, Banarasi Gulabi Meenakari was done on gold but now we use other metals like silver and copper," said Kunjhihari. According to records, Banaras stands next to Jaipur in the art of enamelling and the nature of Banaras pink is similar to Jaipur red. In 19th century and early 20th century, pink enamel was famous throughout the country and was much sought after by princes and the aristocracy. Unlike the red enamel of Jaipur, which has still maintained the high quality and fine workmanship of the 19th century, the pink enamel of Banaras was short-lived. It ended here in the first quarter of 20th century when its last hereditary master Babbu Singh passed away in 1923. After a gap of about half a century, there has been a revival of pink enamelling in Banaras, chiefly as a trade to meet the demands of tourists and of women, who have taken to old jewellery more as a fashion than out of love for its charm and grace. National Museum of India, New Delhi and Bharat Kala Bhawan have collections of this art.

In the collection there is a wooden idol of Lord Buddha, a specimen of the art of wood carving made by Premshankar Vishwakarma of Lehartara area. Besides, three pieces of the soft stone craft undercut work made by Bachchelal of Ramnagar area also find place in the collection.

It may be mentioned here that Varanasi region has emerged a hub of geographical indication products, which include Banarasi brocade, Banarasi sarees, and handmade carpet of Bhadohi, Banaras gulabi meenakari craft, Varanasi wooden lacquerware and toys, and Mirzapuri handmade dari. Besides, two more products - Banaras metal repousse craft and Nizamabad black clay pottery are also in the queue.