On a pavement on GST Road, a little distance away from the Military Hospital, is a sight that draws the attention of speeding motorists coming from the airport. Exquisitely designed ceramic pottery; ranging from flowerpots to vases, from night lamp stands to coffee mugs.In different hues and sizes.

The various ceramic items on display have been produced in Delhi and brought here. There are several hundred items on display, each one different from the rest. These items are priced from Rs. 45/- right up to Rs. 4,000/- a piece. For over a decade now, three families from Rajasthan are involved in this trade.

Prathap, who has been here for exactly 10 years, says that business is pretty good because the prices are very reasonable and also because of the location of the display. Most of the people who buy in large numbers are people coming to Chennai from other cities or tourists coming from the airport. Otherwise there are regulars from the city who come once in two months or so and buy the small statues and figurines made from Plaster of Paris.

The small statues of gods like Lord Balaji, Lord Krishna and other figurines like elephants, deer and peacocks are made in Chennai itself, from moulds. After the statues and figurines have been cast from the moulds, they are painted in bright colours. While a few of them are placed on display, the majority of the items are taken by the men, to be sold in the city. These items cost anything between Rs. 10/- and Rs.80/- depending on their size.

Approach: On the left, while coming from the airport, a little distance away from the Military Hospital.