Short answer: This Indian handicraft glossary explains 14 crafts corporate buyers see in artisanal gifting — Dhokra, Pichwai, Bidri, Moradabad brass and more — with what each looks like and where it suits a gift. Meru Gifting's Dharohar initiative works with 4,000+ artisan families across 25+ states.
Updated September 2026.
Why do corporate buyers need a handicraft glossary?
Corporate buyers need a handicraft glossary because artisanal gifts are named after the craft, not the object — a brief for "something Dhokra" or "a Pichwai piece" only makes sense once you know what that means. Meru Gifting's Dharohar initiative sources handcrafted mementos from 4,000+ artisan families across 25+ states, and each craft has its own look, material and price band.
What are Dhokra, Bidri and Moradabad brass?
Lost-wax cast metal art from Chhattisgarh, with a rustic, textured tribal finish. See the Dhokra Virasat Framed Tribal Art (₹3,999).
Blackened alloy metal inlaid with fine silver wire, from Bidar, Karnataka — used for boxes and decor pieces.
Engraved and cast brasswork from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, seen in urlis, diyas and tree-of-life showpieces like Bodhi Ankur Brass Bodhi Tree (₹2,499).
What are Pichwai, Pattachitra and Madhubani art?
Devotional painted-cloth art from Nathdwara, Rajasthan, often depicting Krishna. See Pichwai Lakshmi and Ganesha Wall Scroll (₹7,999).
Intricate scroll painting from Odisha, traditionally on cloth or dried palm leaf. See Swarna Pattachitra Golden Tree Framed Art (₹5,999).
Bold, folk line-art painting from Bihar, using natural dyes and geometric patterns.
Dhokra Virasat Framed Art₹3,999 · Artisanal
Pichwai Wall Scroll₹7,999 · Artisanal
Kashmiri Papier Mâché Box₹2,250 · Artisanal
Khurja Pottery Vase₹2,750 · Artisanal
What are Kashmiri papier-mâché, Khurja pottery and Kagzi pottery?
Hand-painted layered paper-pulp craft from Jammu & Kashmir, used for boxes and bookends.
Glazed ceramic pottery from Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, common in vases and bowls.
Extremely thin, carved terracotta pottery associated with Rajasthan, prized for its delicacy.
What are Meenakari, Jaipur stone carving and Ajrakh block print?
Coloured enamel work on metal or marble, often from Jaipur, seen in Kalangi Samman Meenakari Keepsake (₹2,999).
Hand-carved stone sculpture, seen in the Vishwa Carved Stone Sphere (₹9,999).
Indigo-dyed hand block-printed textile from Gujarat, used in accessories and gift sets.
What are Banaras lacquerware, Kishangarh miniature and Channapatna toys?
Lacquered wood or zari-woven brocade textile from Varanasi, used in frames and stationery.
Fine detailed miniature painting style from Rajasthan, seen on chess sets and framed art.
Lacquered wooden toys from Karnataka, popular for kids' and family-themed gifting.
Can artisanal and branded items go in the same corporate hamper?
Yes. A common brief pairs a branded functional item — a diary or bottle — with one artisanal piece as the "wow" element of a hamper. Artisanal items typically carry a lower or no MOQ compared to the 50-piece MOQ for branded goods, so they suit a smaller leadership or client gift list. Read more in can I mix artisanal and branded items in one hamper?
What budget should we set for an artisanal handicraft gift?
Artisanal handicraft gifts typically start around ₹1,200 for a small framed Dhokra or Kagzi pottery piece, and run to ₹5,000–₹10,000 for a large brass showpiece or carved stone piece meant for leadership recognition. Because these are handmade, price varies more by piece size and detail than a factory-branded item does.
Can we see artisanal handicraft pieces before ordering, near Bangalore?
Yes. Meru Gifting's studio at #273/2, SC Road, 2nd Cross, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru 560009 is open Mon–Sat, 9 AM–7 PM for walk-ins, and we also run video-call shopping sessions for buyers outside the city. Handmade pieces vary slightly from photos, so seeing the actual texture of a Dhokra casting or a Meenakari finish in person helps most buyers choose faster.
Curious which craft fits your gift list?
Tell us the occasion and recipient — we'll suggest 2–3 artisanal options with pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dhokra art?
Dhokra is a lost-wax cast metal craft from Chhattisgarh with a distinctive rustic, tribal finish.
What is Bidri craft?
Bidri is blackened alloy metal inlaid with silver wire, traditionally from Bidar, Karnataka.
Are artisanal crafts suitable as corporate gifts?
Yes, they suit leadership, client and milestone gifting where a distinctive, story-led item matters more than logo branding.
Is there a minimum order for artisanal handicraft gifts?
Artisanal items generally have a lower MOQ than the 50-piece MOQ for branded goods; ask us for the exact minimum per craft.
