Granada
expresses its craftsmanship in what today remains of the Christian
assimilation of Nasrid art. Marquetry is probably the craft that
is most identified with it. We must also add the incrustation of
different materials from bone to mother of pearl, from amber to
ivory. Some parts of production have been modernised to streamline
auxiliary steps such as cutting and sandpapering, but the most
of
the processes are still done by hand. Boxes, decorated cabinets,
frames, chairs, tables, chess sets, chests trays, etc. are made.
Capileira is known for its cabinet making in the
Mudejar style and in Bara for its Renaissance fashion. Granada
still has many
turners, now the most versatile trades owing to its production.
The art of gliding is intimately connected with Granadan furniture
particularly cornucopias, frames and consoles. The turner is frequently
also a carver. The largest number of tapestry workshops devoted
to restoration and repair work is in Granada. Guitars are also widely
made in Granada who are well known for the quality of their instruments.
Pottery producers in Granada still use the traditional
models and manufacturing systems, some still only use kilns built
in the
last century. In Guadix potters wheels can be found sunk in the
ground. Here they make the ornamental Accitan jar (Acci the Roman
name for Guadix). Modern pottery has inherited the techniques and
decorations of Nasrid times, such as the Andalusi metallic lustre
type, "cuerda seca" (painting in manganese mixed with a greasy medium
and most typical of Granada or Fajalauza, where greens and blues
are mostly used). In El Albaicin, Purullena and Las Alpujarras is
where the tiles, ewers, plates, jugs are traditionally made.
In Guadix there are many
small workshops with a long history of making rush bottomed chairs
in the traditional style, whilst Lanjaron produces all kinds of wicker
baskets.
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