What you see - Oriental Crafts Center is a 3,000 square feet handicrafts store at Ashoka Mall in Pune. Owned by Iqbal Baig, it manages to capture the true essence of India under one roof. Each state is well-represented with its products and the dim lighting with jasmine fragrance, accentuate them better.

What you get – Oriental Crafts Center offers a range of souvenirs and gifts including papier mache products, antique copper and brass items, hand paintings, wood carvings, embroidered shawls and stoles, jewelry, soft furnishings, artifacts, handmade dolls and more.

There’s a special section on copper and brass idols. Buddhas and Lord Ganeshas are available in different sizes and designs here. An intricately designed sleeping Ganesha on a palm leaf is beautiful at Rs. 870. A jade Buddha that we spotted was quite mesmerizing. We also liked the white chestnut wood chess boards that start from Rs. 800 onwards here. Don’t miss the sandalwood artifacts either.

In home linen, Oriental Crafts Center has an extraordinary range of bedspreads, rugs, dhurries, carpets, placemats, cushion covers, table covers etc. Embroidered cushions in silk and wool with zari work are priced from Rs.150 to Rs. 1,000. They also have traditional hand knotted silk carpets from Kashmir in different sizes. These can also be used as decorative wall hangings. Complementing the furnishings are the framed Islamic paintings as well as the traditional boxes, frames and artifacts with kundan work from Jaipur. Other cute products here are the traditional bridal dolls, a great alternative to the ubiquitous Barbie.

Oriental Crafts Center also stocks shawls, stoles and jackets for men and women perfect for winters. MetroMela loved an embroidered white pashmina shawl for Rs. 6,000. For men, cufflinks and ties with traditional motifs and vibrant colors are recommended. In jewelry, you will find a variety of gold and silver ornaments embellished with precious and semi precious stones. The designs vary from vintage and antique to flashy and chunky jewelry. Rings, armlets, necklaces and earrings are all available. Leather purses and wallets are available too in this section.

Our verdict – Oriental Crafts Center is a tribute to the spirit of Indian craftsmen. It’s a great mirror to our traditional handicrafts. Do check it out for personal or corporate gifts. Customer support is impressive. Parking space is available in the plaza.

Anytime between - 10.30 AM - 8 PM