The coastal state of Orissa has received royal patronage in the past, which gives it enough reason to call Orissa one of the leading states in craft making. The magic of the craftsmen is best reflected in the wide variety of crafts in the state. The rich tradition of Orissan craft dates back a thousand years. The striking feature in the crafts of Orissa is the rare combination of utility and beauty. Each craft is a masterpiece in itself. The crafts are a classic combination of modern refinements and the traditional threads which bear the checkered past.

Orissa`s religious heritage has played one of the most dynamic roles in fashioning the infinite variety of crafts available in the numerous stores lining in the city streets and the artist`s villages. Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism have left their imprints on Orissa`s ancient art and crafts, as have its strong tribal traditions. Moreover its sea-faring has brought in influences from Indonesia and China.

Metal Craft of Orissa has reached a great deal of perfection in the state with some truly indigenous designs emerging from its craftsmen`s skills. Bell-metal and brass work are carried throughout the state, with craftsmen churning out several religious and household utensils. Lamp bells, ornate with ethnic designs are quite lovely. The traditional dhokra work is a typical tribal craft in bronze with its meshlike features giving it its distinctive beauty. The tribal families in Sadeiberini, a village near Dhenkanal town produce this unusual craft familiar in items like boxes, gods, goddesses and lamps.

Metal crafting in Orissa is best exemplified in the iron beams of the Konark Temple. In the countryside the metals are used to make an exquisite range of vessels in various shapes. The workers of the Kansari community are best at this craft.

Carving figures and icons in soapstone and granite are the specialty of the craftsmen of Puri. Different dance postures are carved which highlight the artistic dexterity, aesthetic sensibilities and decorative abilities of the craftsperson.

Ikat Fabrics- the gloriously woven, blurry edged, gem coloured design, in gorgeous yarns of silk has become synonymous with Orissa. In Orissa, the weaving is done in single ikat where the warp is tied and dyed and then fixed on the lom. The single ikat designs are diffused and very attractive and generally come in floral design, birds, animals and designs. Other fabrics, which are woven, include, tussar and cotton whose designs and textures have created a huge market not only India but abroad as well. This craft is promoted in various handloom expositions and emporiums throughout India.

Applique‚ in Orissa is an old temple art, which has been refined to perfection. Applique art is the process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers, leaves and other decorative motifs and then stitching them on to a piece of cloth that can ultimately be used as lamp shade, a hand bag or even a garden umbrella. Pipli village near Bhubaneshwar is popular for its appliqu‚ work.

Orissa is also the hub of pure silver filigree work. In this craft, pure silver is put through a wire drawing machine and the thin wires are twisted and flattened. The thin wires are flattened as thin as original wire and then bent on to various shapes to form the required shape of the designs. It looks as if a lace is made in a metal and with this the craftsmen make silver filigree jewellery, kumkum boxes, spoons etc. The workmanship that is found on the silver jewellery and other works of silver has closely drawn its inspiration from Indonesia. Silver Filigree from Cuttack region is of great prominence in the state.

Orissa is also famous for its masks, which are carved out of wood, shola pith and other indigenous materials, which is used in sahi jatra. Some of these masks are made in papier mache. The form is taken out on a mould but the expression on the face is carefully painted in pleasing combinations of colours.

Patachitra is another exclusive craft of Orissa. Its history goes back to the 5th century A.D. and is done on cloth, which is prepared with a coating made from a mixture of chalk and gum. There are stories from the Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and also figures of Lord Jagannath, Balaram, Lord Krishna and many such images of Gods and goddesses. All this portrayed in flamboyant colours like dark green, lapis lazuli, parrot green, rose madder, bright oranges, yellows with a tinge of gold and silver.

Parlakhmundi and Cuttack in Orissa are famous for the horn work, created out of cow and buffalo horns to skillfully produced ash-trays, jewellery and figures of birds and animals. Excellent pottery is also produced in these places.

Woodcarvings are mostly done in Puri and the figures are annually carved and worshipped during the Rath Yatra festival and then they are destroyed. It is an ancient tradition in the state. Wood carvings are also made for utilitarian and decorative items.

It can be concluded saying that Orissa`s market places are a veritable treasure trove for the visitor in terms of art and craft.