Wood Carving

Wood Carving in Ancient Egypt

Firstly, did you know this timeless art goes as far back as ancient Egypt era? The best example to cite is a statue of a man displayed in the Museum of Cairo in Egypt. It possibly dates back to 4,000 BC . This reflects the long tradition of wood carving appreciated all over the world.Carpentry & wood carving have been popular skills through the world.

Kashmir Drawer

Available at Bangalore:- Central Cottage Industries
Available at Chennai:- The Museum Company
Shops in Delhi:- Cauvery Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Emporium, Poonam Backliwal, Utkalika, Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu State Govt undertaking), Dilli Haat
Available at Mumbai:- The Bombay Store, Amber

Craft of Kutch

Wood Work in India

Further, India is naturally blessed with both soft and hard woods.Above all, the country boasts a rich history of carved wood art.  For instance ,the diversity in culture and religion has long been reflected through the incredible handicrafts of India from different regions.

Kerala Temple Carving

For example,  in Gujarat, we see huge chests called ‘pataras’. Artisans dextrously carve them out of rosewood, teak or sandalwood as part of wedding trousseau.  The Sidi Sayiad mosque in Ahmedabad ,dates back to 1573. The intricate lattice & jali work is something to be marvelled. This has been copied in wood several times. There are skilled artisans in Bhavnagar & Junagadh and other areas who can replicate old Islamic styles of wood carving in addition Hindu stylees. Lacquered wood in red ,yellow & other colours to make  swings, bed posts chairs and dandiya sticks are popular. They are popular in the Kutch region. Sankheda is another region that is famous for lacquered wood furniture. The inlay work is called sadeli,which  is a mosaic pattern .Jute or cotton ropes are strung between wooden frames to make them into chairs.

Wood work in Kerala

Kerala – Wood is found in plentiful.  Old palaces had ceilings and archways in wood. Several temples in Kerala had made use of grand woodwork sculptures. The triangular Nettur wooden boxes for jewllery are  also very popular.

Sandalwood artefact

  Carving in in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, takes inspiration from themes like animals, birds, mythical creatures and dance forms. Artisans skilfully depict different gods and goddesses riding their chariots; the most popular being Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Vishnu’s Dashavtara idols. Wood carving for main door is very popular in South India.

Chettinad House Structure

Wooden panels with mythology themes are very popular in Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh. Karikudi is known for wood  carving & crafts in the Chettiar  homes.  Wooden Temple cars, finely carved doors, with panels, flowers, & deities and  hand painted boxes are all popular &  available in Chettinad