An organisation called Ma Passion has taken up the cause of gem stone artisans, exploited by local traders. It will seek their expertise in the craft and protect the art form from dyingThere is a huge difference between carving sculptures on a regular stone verses a gem stone. Gem stone sculptures are rare and require lot of delicate handling due to the fragile nature of the stones. Such sculptures are expensive and form exquisite collectible items for art enthusiasts. But the art of making gem stone sculptures is diminishing fast in India. The artisans who carve these sculptures are opting for other occupations due to exploitation and lack of revenue-generating options.
However, now an organisation called Ma Passion, owned by Dinesh Poddar, has taken up the cause of these artisans. It will protect the Jaipurian artists, especially the ones from the Kumawat community who are well-known for gem stone carving, and take their expertise.
Nisha Jamvwal, a renowned designer, author, art consultant and craft activist, has associated herself to the cause by becoming the brand ambassador of the organisation. Recently she also launched her book Iconic & Narrative Symphonies that supports these artisans and tells the story of the craft of gem stone carving.
The Kumawat artisans use simple tools to create masterpieces from rare precious and semi-precious stones like Rubies, Emeralds, Rose Quartz, Aventurine and Crystal. The carving requires very minute detailing. A gem stone sculpture needs from 2-7 years to completely take shape. Even after putting so much effort and time the artisans are exploited by local traders to sell off their creations for minimal amounts. The price of a gemstone sculpture can range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh.
Nisha says, “The craftsmen need to be encouraged. It is hoped this precious heritage will be saved for posterity, the training will be passed on and it will gain patronage of art lovers and collectors the world over. Recognition of its value and the recognition of the artist and the awareness of the rich heritage are needed. Or else we would lose this unique individualised expression and skill of hand, to the mechanised product representative of the present material age, quick-fix-fill-the-till methodology that robs the art of its uniqueness and its existence.”
The auction of gem stone sculptures in Mumbai is on October 22, 2008. Some of the pieces on display will be Emerald Ganesha of 3650 carat carved with Shivji, Parvatiji, Lakshmiji & Vishnuji on all sides, Ram Darbar in Tourmaline weighing 830 carats, Radha Krishna in Blue Sapphire weighing 1870 carats, a Rose Quartz Buddha with Jali work in a mandir concept, Standing Buddha in light green Aventurine weighing 103000 grams among others.
