Manipur craft from India – Explore Manipuri handicraft for your home

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Written By ms

Best of Manipuri craft from India for your home decor – Discover the Kauna craft Manipur, Manipuri handloom, Bamboo and more to style your home

Let’s start by sharing a few facts about Manipur – the northeastern state of India famous for its natural beauty. Everyone knows Manipur is a fabulous place covered with mind-blowing sceneries and impressive landscapes. And natural beauty is just a part of Manipur; there is more to the Eastern state- the Manipuri crafts. Yes, Manipur’s culture offers many forms of handicrafts. You may have heard of the trendy Kauna craft Manipur or the Manipuri handloom. If not, then allow me to share some of the fantastic handcrafted pieces from India’s northeast – Manipur.

manipur bamboo products
Image sourced from Kouna Manipur

As we begin our journey into the Manipuri crafts, allow me to confess something here – till a long time, all I knew about this fabulous state was Manipuri dance, and that’s it. And that’s such a pity, as Manipur offers so many exciting things – especially for home decor. I missed upon these treasures of Indian crafts from Manipur. But you won’t have to. Right here, you can find the best of Manipuri handloom and handicrafts and feel spoilt with choices. The craft of Manipur is elegant; it’s handcrafted, eco-friendly and simply stylish. 


Manipuri craft

Your search for home decor that is exciting and traditional ends here at Manipuri craft. You see, Manipuri culture celebrates handicraft as a way of life. Do you know in Manipur, almost every home has a loom and people weave their cloth with utmost passion? It was a surprise for me, and maybe it is for you too.  

manipur handloom
Image sourced from Wildfilms India

As a place, Manipur is full of rich culture and boasts vibrant colours. No wonder the rich traditions of Manipur attract many people from around the globe. A lot of the fame of Manipur is for the people in Manipur – they are creative, artistic and possess immense talent and ability. You can find exquisite handicrafts made up of Bamboo here. Beautiful dolls and jewellery are fabulous and attractive. Mats and cushions made in Kauna craft Manipur are perfectly crafted. They have good demand in the Manipur market and across the world. 

What are popular Manipuri crafts?

You can decorate your home with various Manipur crafts. They are unique and add beauty to your place:
a. Kauna Phak Reed mats
b. Traditional bamboo products such as Cane baskets, bowls
c. Thongjong Pottery
d. Senjeng Bell Metalwork 
e. Dolls and Puppets
f. Handloom Textile

What are the Manipuri bamboo products?

Here is a list of bamboo products from Manipur:
a. Furniture in Bamboo and cane
b. Baskets – measuring, filtering, containers, conical
c. Bamboo tubes to store water
d. Bamboo fencing
e. Floor mats in bamboo cane
f. Home decor items – table vase, lamps

Home décor with Manipur’s Craft

Kauna Phak Reed mats

The double weave mat is the unique craft of Manipur and is also known as Kauna Phak Reed Mat. Kauna is the reed used to weave the rug and used by local people. The stems of Kauna are cut and dried so that they become soft and pithy. Bamboo holds the weave of a bunch of stems together at an appropriate distance. The simple design and it’s crafting technique is an art itself.


Thongjong Pottery

You have to look at this very stylish and modern pottery art. Thongjao pottery is a skill that is learned by tribes like Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi. Women make the cooking vessels, plates, rings, bowls and pots. They are moulded into various diverse forms and involve excellent craftsmanship. 

manipur pottery
Image sourced from The Craft Safari

Senjeng Bell Metalwork 

Bell Metal work involves complete handwork without any use of technology. Senjeng Bell Metalwork is the most exquisite art of Manipur. Brass and iron mixture are used to make metal utensils and other items. Bell Metal Work designs are both stylish and intricate. And they are such a joy to decorate.


Traditional bamboo products

Manipur is known for its excellent handicraft. Also, it is the second-largest producer of Bamboo. Mats, basketry, table, chair, flower vase and other decorative items are a few examples of the Manipuri bamboo products. Also, Bamboo is a popular choice for fencing and clothing in household chores. 

Baskets

Cane and Bamboo along with bamboo strips, are joined in the basketry. With lovely weave patterns in dyed Bamboo, these baskets serve many different purposes. Some common basket types are measuring baskets, filtering baskets, container baskets, and conical baskets.

Bowls of bamboo

Bowls made up of Bamboo are durable and free of maintenance. You can serve any dishes like soup and any other liquid in this bowl. 

manipur baskets
Image sourced from Kouna Manipur

Bamboo tubes

Long bamboo tubes are useful to store water in a few remote locations of Manipur. Tribal people use the container baskets, and the conical baskets carry firewood from the forests. 


Manipur’s Dolls and Puppets

Dolls and puppets made up of wood, Bamboo, cotton clay and cloth are worthy of your money and your home decor style. They reflect a unique charm and beauty. Mostly made as to the caricature of animals and birds – Manipur’s dolls are cute in a graceful way. Also, sometimes the dolls represent the characters of Radha Krishna and Khamba.  


Handloom Textile

Manipur enjoys a distinct place in the handloom zones of India. It produces excellent quality handloom fabrics as per the preferences of the customers. Women themselves are the weavers in Manipur Handloom. It is a timeless part of the rich culture of India. It represents the diversity and richness of Manipur and also the artistry of the weavers. 

manipuri handloom
Image sourced from manipuronline.com

Are you wishing to make your home decor more attractive, then choose Manipur handicrafts. Lovely dolls, pottery, bell metal and Bamboo – everything gorgeous and beautiful.