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From Khurja pottery to Rogan art, four master artisans share how they are reaching today's buyers
Trade shows are helping India's master artisans connect with modern buyers by giving centuries-old crafts a meaningful place in today's homes.
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Garvi Gurjari (A Gujarat Govt Enterprise) Handcrafted Sadeli Work Wooden PaperweightView Details  | ₹899 | |
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Saras aajeevika Khurja Pottery Handmade Ceramic Round Tea Pot-500ml|Prefect for Serving Hot Soups Herbal Coffee Milk Teapot Sauce Boat Daily Use Home Kitchen Dining Table Decor Return Gift ItemsView Details | ₹399 | |
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Bhumi Ceramics Handcrafted Blue Pottery Wall Cone Vase – Rajasthani Ceramic Hanging Planter for Home Garden, Balcony & Indoor Décor | Floral Design | Blue & White - 25 CmView Details | ₹359 | |
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Garvi Gurjari (A Gujarat Govt Enterprise Handmade Rogan Painting - Red(GGCHRP26)View Details | ₹8,999 | |
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Ethnics of Kutch Rogan Painting Cotton Painting With Frame - 19 x 16 Inch (Navy Blue 01A01A)View Details | ₹11,750 | |
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A craft can survive for centuries, but it still needs people willing to buy it. That is where trade shows step in. At the 19th edition of HGH India, which took place from June 30 to July 3, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the Indian Heritage Pavilion brings master artisans face to face with retailers, designers, gifting professionals and buyers looking for something beyond factory-made products. I spoke with four craftsmen representing very different art forms, from Khurja pottery and Varanasi metal carving to Rogan art and Surat's rare Sadeli craft. Each one is protecting a legacy, but none is treating tradition like a museum piece.
Rakesh Petigara is finding fresh uses for a craft that almost disappeared
Surat's Sadeli craft is one of India's most detailed forms of wood inlay work. Tiny wooden pieces are assembled into geometric patterns with astonishing precision, making every creation look like a miniature mosaic. Rakesh Petigara explained that the craft travelled to Gujarat through the Parsi community from Persia and once had close to a hundred master artisans. Today, only a handful continue the practice.
Instead of limiting Sadeli to jewellery boxes and decorative keepsakes, Rakesh has expanded into products that fit modern homes. Coasters, pen holders, trays, tissue boxes, furniture accents and interior details now sit alongside traditional pieces. His goal is simple. If people can use Sadeli every day, they are far more likely to value it. He also believes younger artisans need support, financial backing and better exposure so this highly skilled craft does not disappear.
Sagar Kumar Singh is taking temple craftsmanship into everyday homes
For generations, Sagar Kumar Singh's family has specialised in intricate metalwork from Varanasi, a craft closely linked to temples and sacred spaces. That connection remains strong, but he has also noticed that buyers want handcrafted metalwork inside their homes.
His answer has been to introduce fresh designs while keeping the carving process completely handmade. Decorative pieces, pooja room accessories and home décor have become part of his collection, opening the craft to customers beyond religious institutions. He credits exhibitions like HGH India for creating direct conversations with buyers from cities across the country, giving traditional artisans a chance to explain the work behind every piece instead of competing only on price.
Raisuddin is showing that Khurja pottery belongs in contemporary homes too
Khurja pottery has long been recognised for its distinctive ceramic work, but Raisuddin feels the craft has far more to offer than people expect. Alongside classic pottery, he now creates lamps, decorative accessories and home décor designed for present-day interiors.
He believes exhibitions play a major role in helping artisans reach buyers who may never visit Khurja itself. Instead of relying on local demand, craftsmen can introduce new collections to retailers and interior professionals looking for handmade products with a story behind them. That direct connection has helped him keep the craft relevant while staying true to its roots.
Sumar Khatri is carrying a 400-year-old painting tradition into modern spaces
Rogan art from Nirona village in Kutch remains one of India's rarest art forms, and Sumar Khatri has spent more than 37 years practising it. Signature motifs like the Tree of Life continue to attract collectors, but he also pays close attention to changing customer preferences and international demand.
He shared that traditional Rogan designs continue to receive strong appreciation, especially from overseas buyers, proving that authentic craftsmanship still has a place in modern homes. Trade exhibitions allow him to introduce the art to people seeing it for the first time, turning curiosity into conversations and, often, into lasting customers.
A platform that keeps traditions in motion
The biggest takeaway from these conversations was not about preserving history. It was about keeping history useful. Every artisan I spoke with is making thoughtful choices to suit present-day homes and lifestyles without losing the craft's identity. Trade shows like HGH India make those conversations possible by bringing makers and buyers into the same room. Sometimes, all a centuries-old craft needs is the right audience to write its next chapter.
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The author of this article holds a Master's Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch.
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