Gallery View: India craft gifts showcase local culture, materials

Models feature intricate designs depicting religious and mythical figures, as well as indigenous flora and fauna.

India craft gifts continue to be defined by elaborate and colorful artwork that reflects the country’s history and culture. Religious and mythological figures are common themes in wooden, metal, stone and fabric handicrafts. Artwork depicting indigenous flora and fauna are often adopted as well.

Suppliers use various materials, including wood, metal, stone and fabric. Manufacturing inputs are typically sourced domestically.

In wooden home decor and storage products, among the common raw materials used are kadam wood, sheesham wood, mango, teak, rosewood, sandalwood and walnut. The timber is often sourced from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Figurines, clocks, miniature ships and religious items are some of the home furnishings typically available in wood. For storage solutions, the selection ranges from small jewelry boxes to large chests.

Metal crafts such as vases and statuettes are often made using white metal, brass, iron, aluminum or copper. Iron and brass are typically from Uttar Pradesh, while copper is often sourced from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat or Jharkhand.

Marble, sandstone and granite, meanwhile, are the types of stone often used in crafting frames, statues, pots, vases, burners, trays and decorative boxes. Sandstone is usually procured from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while soapstone is sourced from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Marble is typically procured in Rajasthan, but there are some makers that import the material from Italy or Turkey.

Textile craft gifts featuring printed, tie-dyed, crocheted and embroidered artwork include scarves, shawls, saris, bags, mats, and pillow and cushion covers. Cotton, wool and silk are the main options in this category.

Cotton is procured from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Telangana. For wool, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan are the main sources. Silk is obtained from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Elephant figurine features detailed engraving

This metal elephant figurine from Nirmala Handicrafts features detailed engraving. MOQ is 20 pieces.

Handpainted vase made of marble

This handpainted marble vase from Nirmala Handicrafts features gold leaf work. It measures 10.2x10.2x22.9cm. MOQ is 10 pieces.

Incense holder made of sheesham wood

Priyanka Overseas' incense holder features handcarved details in sheesham wood.

Sparkling wine flutes come in brass

Ratna Handicrafts offers these 4x4x15in sparkling wine flutes in brass. MOQ is 50 sets.

Ganesh statue made of jade

This Ganesh statue from Srushti Handicrafts comes in jade. The company also offers Ganesh statues made of other semiprecious stones.

Wooden plate comes with detailed carvings

This decorative plate from Vian International is made from sheesham wood. It comes in 8, 10 and 12in diameters.

Multicolor bag embellished with coins

VRPS Handicrafts' multicolor bag features coin embellishments and zari embroidery. It measures 8x5.9in. MOQ is 50 pieces.

Pillow covers feature zari embroidery

These pillow covers from VRPS Handicrafts feature zari embroidery. They come in various colors and measure 16x16in each. MOQ is 20 pieces.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.