Some 1,500 foreign buyers went to India in February seeking treasures for their shelves at the Spring 2005 India Handicrafts & Gifts Fair in New Delhi.

Sponsored by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, the twice-yearly fair attracts major retailers from the United States as well as importers shopping for new sources for merchandise. Only foreign buyers may attend.

"We are involving six million people in the exhibition of handicrafts," said Rakesh Kumar, executive director of EPCH. "We want to sent the message that what we produce is a real handmade item, not machine-produced. Our product is highly competitive in quality and in price."

Most of that six million are artisans, many women and young people, in rural areas who have few other opportunities to make a living. Kumar said one of the EPCH goals is to be able to increase the wage of the Indian artisan.

The message is echoed at booth after booth as proud Indian designers show well-made product and boast of their sales to American companies like Hobby Lobby, Target, Crate & Barrel, Horchow and Gump's, as well as smaller importers who source product there for specialty retail sales in the States.

The United States continues to be the biggest consumer of Indian handicrafts, representing about 31% of the $2.3 billion in handicraft exports in 2003–2004. Excluding carpets, the United States is the major buyer for Indian metalwork, wood, hand-printed textiles and scarves, embroidered goods and costume jewelry.

Walking the show, which covers 11 buildings, the first impression is traditional Indian wares, brimming with brilliant shades of saffron, coral, orange, green and blue. Luxe textiles interpreted into shawls, throws and pillows are satin, silk and glittery, contrasted with leathers and suedes.

Glassware sparkles in shades of cranberry and blue. Lamp bases and shades touch every style from very traditional to clean and contemporary, with the newest looks featuring burnished nickel. Aluminum vases are hand-painted in shades of blues and greens or combined with lacquered surfaces done in bright colors.

Suited to American tastes, leather is interpreted in storage boxes, totes, accent tables and picture frames. Contemporary ceramic pieces stop traffic with their simplicity.

A rural Indian artisan demonstrates her skills during the fair.

Striated, curvacious vases by A.M. Glass International are popular with American catalog companies. eLink 752