Named after the legendary Chola seaport, which gave the world, the treasured heritage of Tamil Nadu handicrafts, Poompuhar is an artefact emporium.

On display and available are exquisite pieces of art. Be it woodwork or metalwork, fibre products or handloom textiles, gems or paintings. Prices range from Rs.20/- to Rs. 3,50,000.

Icons and lamps hold centre-stage. The lamps (called 'Deepam'), symbolise Agni (God of Fire) and Surya (the Sun God).

There are a variety of lamps. Like the freestanding lamps, Aarathi (prayer) lamps, Deepalakshmi (Goddess of the lamp), hand lamps and chain (hanging) lamps. The Deepalakshmi or Paavai-vilakku is perhaps the most popular. It is shaped as a female figure carrying a lamp.

Also available, is the standard fixture at functions and in Pooja rooms - the Kuthu Vilakku - a standing lamp, with the mythical Annam (swan) on top. All lamps are made in strict conformity with the Shilpa Shastras (canons of sculpture). Available in sizes from six inches to six feet and weighing anywhere between 50 grams and 500 kilograms, they are made of high quality brass.

The cosmic dance of Shiva or Nataraja (who is one of the three gods of the Trinity) is available in classic bronzes from Poompuhar's exclusive collection.

Poompuhar is owned and supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Address: Poompuhar, 818, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002.
Phone: 852 0624 Fax: 855 0157

Contemporary furniture and antique pieces from Jaipur and Andhra Pradesh, marble pedestals and statues. Located on the East Coast Road, Corniche has it all, in its arched and eye-grabbing interiors. Corniche was started by Sabah Bakhache, who designed the interiors of the showroom herself.

The word Corniche, is derived from the French word cornice, which means an ornamental moulding on the wall, just below the ceiling. Interestingly, Sabah Bakhache discovered by coincidence, that Corniche, in Arabic, means 'A walk by the sea'.

Dining Tables, costing around Rs. 76,000/- and Sofa sets ranging from Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 50, 000/- are available. All furniture in contemporary design and antiques are in teakwood. Reproductions of antiques are made from sesame wood. Also on display and sale are paintings by budding artists.

Sabah Bakhache says that this venture was basically need driven. As she was setting up home, after her marriage, she sensed the lack of good furniture showrooms in the city. She had already developed a fair knowledge of contemporary furniture from her travels across Europe and South East Asia. This, combined with her experience in the fashion line for over 10 years, has helped her in this venture.

Address: Shops #1 to 7, Aroras Plaza, 110 East Coast Road, Akkarai, Injambakkam, Chennai 600 119.
Phone: 449 2607 / 608.
Fax: 449 0658.

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