If you are a big fan of handicraft items and love collecting them, chances are that you are a big fan of terracotta and know all about it. but for those who don’t, it is a type of earthware used to make various handicraft items all across the globe.

Terracotta throughout history

Terracotta has been used to make various items throughout history. Mostly in the form of sculptures and figurines, they have been excavated from Harappa and Mohenjo Daro sites. Similarly, the famous terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shu Huang is a collection of over 8000 sculpture which has been excavated from China.

How terracotta is made?

The term terracotta comes from the Latin word ‘terra cocta’ which roughly translates to ‘baked earth’ in Italian. First, clay is used to form the required structure and dried. After drying, it is baked at the temperature of around 1,000 degrees Celsius by placing it atop combustible material. It gets its famous ‘reddish color’ due to iron reacting with oxygen during the combustion process. In addition to that, they are also made in other color shades such as pink, grey, yellow, orange, etc.

Terracotta items are beautiful to look at due to its rustic and earthy appeal. It forms a big part of the Kolkata Handicraft collection. In other words, terracotta would play a big part in anyone’s interior decoration if they want to give their house a vintage yet elegant look. Let’s have a look at a few types of items that can be used to give your home a new look.

Vessels

Whether in the form of pots and plates, beautiful vases or even an ashtray, they look gorgeous. Place them in a corner with matching artificial flowers or use them to impress your guests over dinner, the choice is yours.

Lampshade

Want to give calm yet dramatic lighting to your bedroom? Buy a terracotta

lampshade. It comes in different shapes and sizes although geometrically patterned lampshades are a universal favorite.

Figurine

Bring an auspicious energy into your home with an idol of Lord Ganesha or Lord Shiva. It is famously used all over Kolkata in making sculptures of various Hindu deities. In one of the famous shops dakshinapan saree shops, you will find beautiful terracotta sculptures depicting different scenes for a man’s life.

In conclusion, a beautiful terracotta item can completely change the look and feel of your room. So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab one.