The art of pottery
Tamil Nadu has been enshrined in folklore. Black and red pottery of Manamadurai and the glazed pottery of Karigiri are noted for beauty of shape and colour, They have won appreciation at international exhibitions.
The deft fingers of the potter can produce myriads of beautiful pieces on the wheel. But figures are largely cast in moulds; some are fired,while others are painted in the raw. Figures of Iyyanar , the deity which keeps watch over village and can be seen as large painted idols at the entrance, are a rage with foreigners. Midget sizes in terracotta are produced to cater to such foreign demands.
However, clay has its own disadvantages. It is grafile and cannot be packed and sent over long distance. The packing itself has to be carefully done and is very expensive.
Iyyanar.
