Miniature Delights!

Mother-daughter duo Sudha and Neha Chandranarayanan have an unusual vocation – making clay miniatures of India’s most beloved foods

Two years ago, on Neha Chandranarayanan’s 18th birthday, her mother Sudha gifted her fridge magnet in the shape of a miniature dosa. “I just loved it; I am a huge foodie,” says the Chennai-based engineering student. Sudha, a Trichy-born graduate in chemistry, had a flair for clay crafting from a young age, and has made a successful career of it for the past 15 years. And so, the two decided to bring their love for food and clay crafting together in one unique venture, Cn Arts, launched earlier this year.

Worldwide, clay miniatures are often made in the shape of flowers, dolls, bonsais or tourist attractions. Sudha and Neha decided to take inspiration from Indian cuisine, “as Indian food is rich in terms of its variety, taste and spices apart from being very healthy,” says Neha, who learnt the art of clay crafting from her mother in childhood. Every component of their art – from the rice grains, vegetables to even mustard seeds and other condiments – is completely handmade.