Description:
Appliqué work is one of the most famous handicrafts of India and can be seen all around India with different styles particular of the state creating its own unique characteristic. While going towards the holy beach town of Puri, 20 kms away from the capital of Bhubaneshwar, is the small village of Pipli, famous for its Orissa style appliqué work.
The art is ancient patronized by the kings of Puri, particularly for the service of Lord Jagannath. The kings specially set up a village for the artisans; this village is today famous as Pipli. Today most of the people of this small village are engaged in the same profession and the rows of shops in Pipli flaunt appliquéd handbags, bed sheets, wall hangings, purses, cushion covers, letter cases, pillow covers, canopies and garden umbrellas.
This is a delicate art where fluorescent coloured cloth is used to cut into motifs of various flowers, animals and human figures which are equally delicately sewed upon the other material. One of the finest souvenirs to be carried from Orissa, the Pipli handicraft items are the most authentic that can be found in the whole state.
