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        The exclusive lacquer bangles and its handpicked pearls woven with gold threads and studded with white stone is a rare collection of bangles from Jaipur. These are some among the many that are an attractive feature in the 'Artisans - Fair', a exhibition organised by the Artisans Welfare Association at Alwarpet, Chennai.

        Among the other incredible range of exhibits were blue pottery from Khurja, terracotta statues from Rajasthan in antique colour, rudrakash from Indo-Nepal, gem stone paintings and diaries, telephone book, pen- holders and bags from Kutch that have patch, aari and sequence work.

        A craftsmen from Haryana said, 'this is a great opportunity for both the customers and artisans. As we artisans directly come and sell our articles we can enjoy greater amount of profit and know the desires of the customers'.

        Ashok Sharma, event organiser, said, 'Direct interaction between connoisseurs of arts, exporters, distributors retailers and other potential buyers provides immense opportunity for sales promotion and exposure to small- scale artisans' .

        With prices ranging between Rs 15 and Rs one lakh, the exhibition-cum- sale was inaugurated by actress Sornamalya. The exhibition offers 20 per cent discount on handlooms, 15 per cent discount on jewellery and 10 per cent for handicrafts. It is open till 7 January.