Check out the gorgeous crafts of West Bengal at the Philadelphia Art Alliance

Treasures from India

Can't swing a vacation this summer? Take a trip to India by way of Rittenhouse Square at Greetings from Kolkata, India. The Philadelphia Art Alliance hosts an exhibition and sale of art by the Crafts Council of West Bengal, a nonprofit organization that works with the craftspeople of Eastern India to promote their work.

Expect varying media, from embroidery (including kantha, the quilt stitch of Bengal), scarves, saris, masks, instruments, and jewelry. There will also be three different craftspeople on-site showing off their incredible skill, including a potter, an embroiderer, and a jeweler who works in copper and silver.

We love the elaborate detail work of this silver filigree cup, made in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Jewelry is generally made using this technique, but the crafts council has overseen the creation of other household items, including napkin holders, coasters, bowls, and trays.

-Molly Eichel
Greetings from Kolkata, India, through Sunday, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 261 S. 18th St., prices range from $4-$2,000, 215-545-4302, philartalliance.org.