Bambay mosaic, skillful carving and extraordinary color of Indian furniture inspire and surprise. Speaking about Ancient India, it must be remembered that even in the first millennium BC. the predominant religion in India was Brahmanism, which is based on the differentiated division of society into castes. Given the adherence of the Hindus to traditions, the right to practice the craft passed from father to son according to strict caste canons. In their products, artisans used almost everything that nature gave them: wood, plant fiber, stone, clay, bone, shells, leaves and herbs. The products of furniture craftsmen reflect the habits and religious views of the inhabitants of the mysterious ancient country.
Chair to throne
The inhabitants of the East and Ancient India had a peculiar habit of sitting on the ground with their legs crossed under them. This position was also used when sitting on a chair. Therefore, for the era of Ancient India, a chair without a back with a round seat or a stool consisting of an openwork frame and a pillow in the form of a flattened ball, a kind of prototype of the puff familiar to us, was characteristic.
For solemn occasions, luxurious furniture was used: a ceremonial throne, with legs tapering at the bottom, protruding upper slats, decorated with dragon heads. Judging by the images that have come down to us, sitting people preferred one position: the tucked-in left leg is on the seat, and they themselves are half squatting. However, more comfortable seating benches are known, reminiscent of a modern sofa.
The Chulavamsa, the second part of the Mahavamsa, a historical poem of the 5th century, brought us an interesting testimony about how King Jettihatissa, who lived in the 4th century, himself was known as an excellent master of ivory carving and even made the figure of a Bodhisattva (a creature with an enlightened consciousness ) from the bone of an elephant and individual elements for his royal throne.
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Application of lacquer technique
India's natural wealth of various resins gave rise to the development of lacquer technology in furniture making. Complex ornaments and increased decorativeness were embodied by Indian craftsmen in color varnishing and woodcarving. Basically, two methods were used: the turned furniture elements were covered with quick-drying colored varnishes and multilayer application followed by scratching out the pattern. Lacquer masters stood at the lowest rung in the artisan environment.
I-waduvo, as the lacquer specialists called themselves, basically worked as turners, turning furniture out of wood. Rotating the object on lathe, you can easily varnish it by pressing a special varnish stick against it. As it heats up from friction, it softens and fills the grooves cut on the object. This technique is especially known in the products of Jodhpuk craftsmen who make decorative pieces of furniture.
Various small pieces of furniture, all kinds of boxes were pre-made from papier-mâché, and then varnished in a complex way. Intarsia was used - an inset into the wooden surface of mother-of-pearl, ebony, ivory, called the Bombay mosaic.
From simplicity to sophistication
Unpretentious and unpretentious Indians widely used the primitive support for the body - "bayragu". Sitting in their usual squatting posture, the Indian fakirs slept peacefully, resting their head and hands on this stand. At the same time, the Hindus were no strangers to the concept of comfort, as evidenced by a ceremony chair belonging to a Buddhist monk, which resembles a wooden throne in its construction.
Ancient Indian furniture varied: fancy legs of stools and armchairs, rich carvings of ornaments on headboards. The Chulavamsa says that the furniture in the palace of King Parakramabahu, who is famous for gradually establishing a one-man centralized government on coming to power in 1140, was adorned with gold and expensive ivory. The Indian style of furniture art is characterized by lush openwork carvings, a passion for decor and embellishments. Along with the elaborate details, the Indian passion for pomp and ornamental complexity is striking. Moreover, the product itself is often not worth the effort and patience of the oriental master, who meticulously and painstakingly created it.
Call the measurer
Wood carving in IndiaWood carving is the most common and trivial art form in India. Since ancient times, wood, being an accessible and easily processed material, has been used widely and everywhere, starting with the manufacture of weapons, tools, construction of dwellings and ending with the manufacture of household items.
The most common tree species used in woodworking in India are teak, sal, oak, mango, ebony (black) and mahogany.
Sandalwood, Rosewood and Walnut- expensive varieties of wood, which are used in most of India mainly for the manufacture of elegant, sophisticated decorative elements of furniture. Only on the territory of Kashmir, where walnut and rosewood trees grow in large quantities, they make solid furniture, souvenirs, dishes, etc. Kashmiri cabinetmakers are famous for their special exquisite style, which embodies their delicate artistic taste.">
Khatumband (khatumband), or khatam band, and - the basic techniques of wood carving, common in the territory of Kashmir.
A distinctive feature of the khatumbandha technique is the creation of carved wood panels used to decorate the ceiling and interior walls of the house.
Khatumbanda is characterized by the use of walnut wood, as well as coniferous trees. Assembling panels decorated geometric patterns, is carried out without the use of nails and fasteners, resembling the fit of lining or parquet. Thus, a solid geometric pattern is obtained.
in the houseboatThis technique is also widely used in the decoration of floating hotels. houseboats in Srinagar. Also, this technique is used in the manufacture of furniture items such as wardrobes, screens and chests of drawers.
Pinjrakari (pinjrakari) is a sibling a carving technique used for the manufacture of carved gratings, trellises, decorative partitions and individual elements.
V use light wood species. This technique eliminates the use of glue and nails.
Khangkah Shah-i-HamadanAn illustrative example processing wood using these techniques is Khankah Shah-i-Hamadan - the oldest Sufi mosque in Srinagar (Kashmir), founded in 1395 on the banks of the Jhelam River and reconstructed in 1731.
The densely forested area of Assam is home to different kinds plants. Bamboo, as the most widespread representative of the local flora, in combination with reed locals have long been using it for the production of household items, furniture, decorative items such as frames and lampshades, souvenirs and other trifles.
Wood products made in central India are famous throughout the country. These are hand-made, mostly highly artistic, filigree carvings, such as furniture of various types and shapes, altars, caskets, snuff boxes, trays, figurines of Ganesha, Krishna and other deities, as well as miniature figurines of birds, horses, elephants, dancers and dancers.
carved altarsMadhya Pradesh is famous for its palaces, fortresses and old houses, decorated with amazing, detailed carvings, wooden ceilings, window and door lintels - evidence of the glorious era of skilled craftsmen. Central India is also a major producer of traditional musical instruments such as dhol(dhol) - Indian percussion musical instrument, swarmandal(swarmandal) - Indian zither, etc. The main centers of artistic woodworking in Madhya Pradesh are Gwalior, Morena, Reva and Reisen.
Talking about traditions wooden architecture in India, I would like to pay special attention to Gujarat and Rajasthan - the most important centers of woodcarving. The carefully guarded craft traditions are passed down here from generation to generation, preserving their identity. Since the territories of these states do not have rich reserves of wood, raw materials are imported from other countries, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Himalayan cedar, rosewood, mahogany and ebony, teak, sandalwood. Local acacia wood is also used granny(Acácia nilótica). The generally recognized center of woodworking is the Kach district with its capital - Bhuj. The detailed geometric and floral motifs used in the carvings showcase the craftsmanship of the local artisans. Kach craftsmen specialize in the manufacture of bed racks, couches, baby cradles, candlesticks, coasters and book holders, rolling pins, whipping pestles, cutlery, bowls and other various household items.
book holder
bookendKach is also known as the region where India's finest carved wooden swing is made. The presence of a wooden swing in the courtyard of the house self made to this day it is considered a sign of the wealth and well-being of the family.
Rajasthan became famous for its extraordinary grace and beauty carved furniture, the tradition of using which dates back to Rajputs... Beds, wardrobes, chairs, tables, screens - not all to list. All this is just a small part of the pieces of furniture created by local architects.
The region is also famous for carved sculptures of deities and sandalwood souvenirs, as well as unforgettable wooden puppets, without which no performance at the "Rajasthani puppet theater" (kathputli) takes place. — letters. wooden non-living doll ( kath- wood, putli- lifeless doll).
South tropical India is famous for its products from sandal... The main sandalwood plantations are located in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Mysore is a recognized center for the production of sandalwood items. Here, various souvenirs and figurines of deities are made from it.
Kerala and the Karnataka Coast also specialize in marquetry (marquetry) - inlaid with veneer.
marquetry
marquetry
marquetryThe city of Kondapali in Andhra Pradesh and Chanapatna in Karnataka are the main centers of production popular throughout the country, as well as abroad. wooden toys, attracting the eye with the brightness of colors and whimsical forms.
Kondapali toys
Kondapali toys
toy store in ChannapatnaThe use of shells for decorative purposes is widespread in Tamil Nadu. coconut, from which vases, teapots, bowls, lamps, pencil holders, jewelry and even buttons are made.
coconut scoop
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Wood carving has long been used to decorate homes and public buildings. This is one of the oldest and most widespread types of artistic and decorative woodworking.
Wood is a wonderful material, you can see amazing decorations wood carvings in many churches and temples around the world. The craft of carving, intricate patterns on wood, is known in all cultures and is widely popular in countries where woody grows tree species suitable for wood carving - Scandinavia, Great Britain, Japan, India, China and many others. Craftsmen use many types of wood - birch, aspen, linden, poplar or alder, oak, beech - a tree that has a characteristic pattern of structure and texture. 
The woodcarving technique has been developed over hundreds of years and the variety of patterns and styles provide endless possibilities for creating amazing artwork that can gracefully decorate any home - facades, entrance doors, stairs, window trims, crown moldings, columns, home furnishings, headboards beds, tables, dressers, chairs, mirrors and photo frames - you name it!
Exclusive home furniture and decorations
Wood carved furniture and decorative panels are exceptional items and are highly prized as the wood carving process involves many hours of manual labor and each culture and each country has specific wood carving patterns and traditions. For centuries, carved pieces of furniture were a symbol of sophistication and sophistication, exclusive and luxurious furniture that demonstrated the status and taste of the owner of the house. 
Wood carving includes several techniques that can be used to create masterpieces that have been popular in the past. The same techniques are used by the artisans of our time to create beautiful woodcarving patterns. Chip carving, low relief, high relief, notched carving, metallographic carving, etc. Many pre-made wood carvings can be combined in a variety of techniques that will enhance the visual aesthetics. 
Wood carving in the interior is typical of classical styles such as Baroque, Empire, Rococo and is seen in various architectural elements of the interior and furniture. Handrails and carved staircases enhance the feeling of nobility and sophistication. Carved columns and pillars are reminiscent of antiquity, and magnificent consoles adorn the ceilings and walls. Roses are added to exciting decorations for windows, doors or coffered ceilings.
Wood carving - models in different styles
Different styles of home decor, different trends have created their own unique woodcarving patterns. Experts and connoisseurs determine the carvings depending on the style, as each one has its own characteristics. Elegant, austere and simple, refined and sophisticated - each era has its own stylistic features that we see in the work of the masters. 
For example, Gothic woodcarving patterns are rich, sculptures decorated with gold represent religious motives. 
Whimsical woodcarving patterns look pompous, with beautiful curved and flowing lines, artistic contrasts of colors and shapes. Empire style reflects the spirit of the era, features of intricate patterns, shells and combs, wreaths and pieces of furniture are presented with an amazing shape of legs, for example, a lion with the paws of sphinxes or swans. 
Rococo woodcarving patterns are surprisingly elegant, sophisticated and refined. Sinuous vines, flower patterns, garland-shaped, mythological creatures are the patterns characteristic of this style. The period of classicism is distinguished by simple elegance and impeccable taste. Wood carving has a strict geometry, clear lines, simplicity of shape and decoration. 
Wood carving patterns are different in different cultures and most of them have the ethnic traditions of the nation - African, Asian, and Eastern Europe. These models are charmingly exotic and crafted with incredible precision. Japanese and Chinese woodcarving patterns have their own specifics and are very different from the models popular in India, their craftsmanship is absolutely unique. 
Chinese Dongyang wood carving is the most famous traditional art that features intricate intricate wood carvings with multiple layers to form absolutely breathtaking and stunning 3D masterpieces. Dongyang woodcarving is named after the city of Dongyang, and even today the city is known for one of the four main schools of woodcarving in China. Wood carved furniture uses traditional symbols such as geometric patterns - hexagons or stars, the Dragon - a symbol of royalty and male fertility, butterflies, fish, phoenix, peony and bamboo. 
In India, woodcarving can be seen in temples, on doors, furniture, decorative panels depicting elephants, intriguing floral patterns, animals all characterize the unique culture and traditions of the region. 
Russian woodcarving patterns were very popular as an external home decoration. Russian log cabins were decorated with masterpieces depicting floral patterns, geometric lace, graceful curls, rosettes, figures of lions, mermaids, birds and animals. Fantastic window frames and architectural elements are typical of Russian woodcarving. 
Islamic patterns of wood carvings cover the surface of the mosque of doors with interlacing patterns, geometric shapes - hexagons, squares. The most complex wood products and best samples can be seen on various pieces of furniture. 
Despite differences in cultural traditions, woodcarving patterns show the inspiration, talent and creativity of the craftsmen. Wood carved furniture, wall panels, ceiling panels are highly regarded all over the world for their unique beauty. Contemporary craftsmen also create amazing works of art - based on traditional methods or invent new intriguing ways of wood processing. As technology advances, craftsmen offer different finishes to preserve and protect wood from insects, moisture, mold and bacteria. Carved wood furniture and panels are popular with interior designers as they provide opportunities for creating interiors in classic styles like Empire, Rococo or Baroque, with an atmosphere of luxury, grandeur and solemnity. At the same time, different models and techniques can be used for amazing ethnic style interiors - Moroccan, African, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, etc. 
Architectural and sculptural works of temples are the best evidence of the masters' power over stone. The intricate carved stone sculptures are some of the finest in the world. Bodh - a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists - also has an ancient tradition of stone carving.
Nothing expresses the character and Agra better than their stone works. Sophisticated architectural masterpieces, magnificent sculptures - these are all exclusive works of art. For a number of centuries, Varanasi has also been at the center of civilization.
In the 3rd century BC. the court of King Ashoka gave a powerful impetus to the development of the art of stone carving. and from that period are perhaps the earliest surviving stone buildings. The red sandstone of Chunara has been generously used in the creation of stone sculptures dating back to the Mauryan dynasty and found during excavations in the Mathura and Agra regions.
The ancient carvers were guided by the rules of sculpting prescribed in the ancient treatise Shilpashastra. The statue of the main deity was created by craftsmen who had knowledge of the properties of various stones, their texture and correct proportions.
The sculpting of a divine idol was considered a cult act and had the meaning of a sacred ritual. Stone temples are being built even today, and Tamil Nadi sthapathas, Gujarati and Rajasthani somaripura are in demand throughout the country.
Agra is famous for its marble works. Many products are made here: lattice windows, frames for mirrors, consoles, niches, ornamental trimmings in the form of pendants. Craftsmen are renowned for their skill in inlay work. Rajasthan has a rich tradition of stone carving, even in ordinary houses. Door frames are usually made of red stone. Stone, lattice windows are decorated with carvings, and even the support frame for the loom is carved from carved stone. is one of the most important centers where a large community of stone carvers is engaged in the manufacture of statues of deities from marble.
In Orissa, soft is used for carving small souvenirs for sale to tourists. In Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, solid granite carvings are performed. There is also a school for teaching sthapatha artisans the rules of Shilpashastra. In Devanahalli, a village in the Mysore region of Karnataka, relief figures are created on black stone, characterized by expressive movements and expressive postures. Durga in Andhra Pradesh is another center for stone carving, huge stone sculptures of the sacred bull and local deities are created here.
Ivory carving- one of the oldest arts in India. Ivory is a valuable material and very difficult to carve. Important centers of ivory carving were in Kerala, Mysore and Karnataka, Jaipur and Rajasthan, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Benrampur in West Bengal and Ganjam and Puri in Orissa. This art has recently disappeared as the Indian government has banned elephant hunting and ivory carving. Therefore, carvers are forced to turn to other arts, in particular, to bone carving. Usually they are engaged in this craft. The Himalayan tribes practice this craft to make ritual items. The sculpture of animal figurines from bone is typical for Orissa.
Terracotta
This is another form of Indian art expressed in clay. Pottery and pottery are utilitarian and often decorative, while porcelain and artwork belong to the realm of art.
Terracotta is also used in offerings to numerous gods of the Hindu pantheon. Therefore, each region has its own distinctive design, content and form. Bengal has the largest assortment of excellent examples of terracotta temple panels. Even in the south of India, terracotta figurines of horses and elephants are offered as offerings to the deity Ayanar, on which he is believed to ride.
Usually the size and shape of each piece is symbolic. For example, in comparison with a horse, the figure of the rider may be too small. This is because the horse has a divine essence, while the rider is just a man.
The best tradition of terracotta is arguably West Bengal. Most of the figurines are of ritual significance. The Bankur figurine is famous. Made of rich red clay, it is richly painted and decorated. Some of the finest terracotta figurines can be found in Murshidabad, Birbhum, Jessore, Hooghli and Digha. They are made in folk style and are distinguished by unusually expressive designs. The use of colored glazed roof tiles began after the Muslim conquest. Tile art - chini or porridge - has become very sophisticated. Today many ceramic centers produce tiles - glazed and unglazed terracotta tiles in traditional and contemporary designs.
Today we are witnessing the decline of traditional crafts, which are increasingly being replaced by mass-produced goods. Connoisseurs of crafts can find a wealth of designs and shapes in products Everyday life such as storage containers for rice and salt, earthen water jugs, cooking pots, incense burner. Utilitarian and unique, these household items are examples of folk, passed down from generation to generation, and the result of the collective experience and wisdom of the people.
Numerous products for the holidays are produced in India: lamps for the festival of lights, toys for Dussher, pots for seedlings for Sankranti and colorful Kalash (pots) for weddings.
Many products are also used as decorations and can be wonderful gifts. Some of them are ashtrays, flower vases, tea sets, pottery, paperweights and decorative animal figurines.
Delhi is famous for its blue ceramics, which are made using exquisite Persian blue paint. Blue ceramics are glazed and highly heat treated to make them robust. Jaipur blue pottery is also unique. Some of the products are translucent, usually decorated with images of animals and birds. Decorative items such as ashtrays, vases, coasters for glasses and bottles, cups and trinket boxes are made from Egyptian pasta and are low heat treated.
Pottery
Mansa pottery can be found almost exclusively in Bengal. The pots made in this style have a bizarre curving shape with a face painted on it and symbolize the snake goddess. Likewise, the dakshinirai pots found in the Sunderbans area are circular in shape with a crown-like neck.
Khurja in Uttar Pradesh, located three hours from Delhi, is also well known for its inexpensive but durable tableware. Fired at high temperatures, these pottery products retain their natural clay color and are in high demand.
Rajasthan pottery has its own characteristics... The necks of the water pots are small, probably to prevent water spills.
Alwar is famous for its paper-thin ceramics known as kagzi (paper).
And pottery has its own charm. Here you will be offered wide range of figurines and decorative panels, not counting adorable pots for water and flowers.
Black pottery and a chillum earthen pipe from Tamil Nadu will be interesting acquisitions. In Kottaikorai in Pondicherry, glazed ceramics are textured like orange peels. The item is painted just before firing; most of the items have a utilitarian value: from candlesticks to water filters and dishes.
Reed and bamboo
In India, reeds and bamboo have been used in tribal art since ancient times. Today, simple products made from these materials adorn the homes of wealthy people, including elaborate reed furniture.
Utility and decorative items are made of reed in various styles and ornaments, among which the most popular are baskets and mats. and are known for their exquisite screens and bamboo mats made from split bamboo. The state of Assam, which is home to huge reserves of raw materials, produces a wide variety of products: baskets, mugs for rice beer, hooks (pipes), musical instruments and floor mats. Neighboring Pradesh is successfully doing reed and bamboo work, and products such as reed belts are made here.
The famous herbal bark mats come from Tamil Nadu.
The most exquisite mats are made in Kerala, where black and white square bamboo boxes are also made in the same tradition.
Reed is a natural gift from the forests of Manipur. Today, due to the actively developing cultivation in mountainous areas, reed resources are being depleted. Another forest resource, bamboo, is found in abundance in the Churachandpur, Jiribam, Tamenglong and Imphal regions of Manipur, the largest bamboo producer after Tripura in the northeast. Bamboo products include sets of sofas, moorha, mats, baskets, trays, chairs, tables, flower vases, ashtrays and other decorative and everyday items.
Bracelets
Over the centuries, wearing bracelets has acquired cultural, social and religious significance. Until the Middle Ages, it served exclusively for decorative purposes. Around this period, the bracelet turned from a purely decorative accessory to a symbol of marriage. Empty hands are symbolically associated with widows who have been denied the right to wear bracelets.
In Bengal, an iron kada (bracelet), commonly called a loha, is worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. The bride also receives an exquisite white shell and red lacquer bracelets.
In some communities, ivory and glass bracelets are important bridal accessories. The Punjabi bride traditionally receives a miracle - thin ivory bracelets of white and red colors. These bracelets are only issued in multiples of four. Over time, expensive ivory was replaced by varnish and plastic, but this custom still persists.
When the Gujarati newlywed becomes pregnant, her sister-in-law gives her a silver chain bracelet. In the seventh month, she is asked to wear a bracelet made of black thread and five kovdi (a type of shell). The bracelet is removed only when contractions begin to symbolically facilitate labor. A similar walaykapu ceremony is held in South India.
The manufacture and marketing of glass bracelets is predominantly dominated. Ferozabad, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is famous for the production of glass bracelets.
In each area, bracelets are made using locally available materials such as wood in Kashmir or natural varnish in Rajasthan.
The Akhirs of Rajasthan and the Rabari of Gujarat completely hang their hands with bone bracelets. Lambadi Andhra Pradesh adorn their arms to the elbows with bone bracelets that can tell a lot about their master's status. The Bastar tribe wear bracelets made of copper or beads. Kashmiris have the most exquisitely colored papier-mâché bracelets.
Visit a craft fair
The Dilli Hut project, jointly launched by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation and the Municipal Council, was conceived to allow needy artisans and artisans out of their markets to present their exhibits. The complex, built on 2.4 hectares of land, is located in mall South Delhi. The Dilly Hut concept was borrowed from the traditional village fair with one significant difference. While the village fair is changing the venue of the latter, the artisans at Dilli Hut are changing, making it possible to present a whole panorama of Indian handicrafts in one place.
The complex employs 62 outlets which offer a variety of handicrafts brought from all over the country. The counters are available for two weeks each on a rotating basis, allowing as many artisans as possible to display and sell their wares. Dilly Hut also offers tourists cuisine and performing arts from various regions of the country.
The Indian Crafts Council is a registered non-profit voluntary organization dedicated to the preservation of crafts and the improvement of the living standards of artisans. The council is governed by a group of volunteers elected every two years. Its headquarters are located at. The council has a network of craft councils in ten states through which basic work... However, the absence of a Council in any state does not prevent necessary work and there.
The main tasks of the Council are to ensure the sale and quality of handicraft products, receive decent wages for artisans and create a situation in which future generations of artisans will find it worthwhile to continue working in this area. In addition, the Council ensures that artisans receive adequate raw materials at a standard price, helps improve tools and works on community building programs, develops product designs, and assists in the marketing of handicrafts.
Wood carving is the most common and trivial art form in India. Since ancient times, wood, being an accessible and easily processed material, has been used widely and everywhere, starting with the manufacture of weapons, tools, construction of dwellings and ending with the manufacture of household items.
The most common tree species used in woodworking in India are teak, sal, oak, mango, ebony (black) and mahogany.
Sandalwood, Rosewood and Walnut- expensive varieties of wood, which are used in most of India mainly for the manufacture of elegant, sophisticated decorative elements of furniture. Only on the territory of Kashmir, where walnut and rosewood trees grow in large quantities, they make solid furniture, souvenirs, dishes, etc. Kashmiri cabinetmakers are famous for their special exquisite style, which embodies their delicate artistic taste.
Khatumband (khatumband), or khatam band, and - the basic techniques of wood carving, common in the territory of Kashmir.
A distinctive feature of the khatumbandha technique is the creation of carved wood panels used to decorate the ceiling and interior walls of the house.
Khatumbanda is characterized by the use of walnut wood, as well as coniferous trees. The assembly of panels decorated with geometric patterns is carried out without the use of nails and fasteners, resembling the fit of lining or parquet. Thus, a solid geometric pattern is obtained.
in the houseboat
This technique is also widely used in the decoration of floating hotels. houseboats in Srinagar. Also, this technique is used in the manufacture of furniture items such as wardrobes, screens and chests of drawers.
Pinjrakari (pinjrakari) is a sibling a carving technique used for the manufacture of carved gratings, trellises, decorative partitions and individual elements.
V use light wood species. This technique eliminates the use of glue and nails.
Khangkah Shah-i-Hamadan
A vivid example of wood processing using these techniques is Khankah Shah-i-Hamadan - the oldest Sufi mosque in Srinagar (Kashmir), founded in 1395 on the banks of the Jhelam River and reconstructed in 1731.
The densely forested area of Assam is home to a variety of plant species. Bamboo, as the most widespread representative of the local flora, in combination with reed locals have long been using it for the production of household items, furniture, decorative items such as frames and lampshades, souvenirs and other trifles.
Wood products made in central India are famous throughout the country. These are hand-made, mostly highly artistic, filigree carvings, such as furniture of various types and shapes, altars, caskets, snuff boxes, trays, figurines of Ganesha, Krishna and other deities, as well as miniature figurines of birds, horses, elephants, dancers and dancers.
carved altars
Madhya Pradesh is famous for its palaces, fortresses and old houses, decorated with amazing, detailed carvings, wooden ceilings, window and door lintels - evidence of the glorious era of skilled craftsmen. Central India is also a major producer of traditional musical instruments such as dhol(dhol) - Indian percussion musical instrument, swarmandal(swarmandal) - Indian zither, etc. The main centers of artistic woodworking in Madhya Pradesh are Gwalior, Morena, Reva and Reisen.
Talking about the traditions of wooden architecture in India, I would like to pay special attention to Gujarat and Rajasthan - the most important centers of woodcarving. The carefully guarded craft traditions are passed down here from generation to generation, preserving their identity. Since the territories of these states do not have rich reserves of wood, raw materials are imported from other countries, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Himalayan cedar, rosewood, mahogany and ebony, teak, sandalwood. Local acacia wood is also used granny(Acácia nilótica). The generally recognized center of woodworking is the Kach district with its capital - Bhuj. The detailed geometric and floral motifs used in the carvings showcase the craftsmanship of the local artisans. Kach craftsmen specialize in the manufacture of bed racks, couches, baby cradles, candlesticks, coasters and book holders, rolling pins, whipping pestles, cutlery, bowls and other various household items.
book holder
bookend
Kach is also known as the region where India's finest carved wooden swing is made. The presence of a handmade wooden swing in the courtyard of the house is still considered a sign of the family's wealth and well-being.
Rajasthan became famous for its extraordinary grace and beauty carved furniture, the tradition of using which dates back to Rajputs... Beds, wardrobes, chairs, tables, screens - not all to list. All this is just a small part of the pieces of furniture created by local architects.
The region is also famous for carved sculptures of deities and sandalwood souvenirs, as well as unforgettable wooden puppets, without which no performance at the "Rajasthani puppet theater" (kathputli) takes place. — letters. wooden non-living doll ( kath- wood, putli- lifeless doll).
South tropical India is famous for its products from sandal... The main sandalwood plantations are located in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Mysore is a recognized center for the production of sandalwood items. Here, various souvenirs and figurines of deities are made from it.
Kerala and the Karnataka Coast also specialize in marquetry (marquetry) - inlaid with veneer.
marquetry
marquetry
marquetry
The city of Kondapali in Andhra Pradesh and Chanpatna in Karnataka are the main centers for the production of wooden toys popular throughout the country and beyond, attracting the eye with the brightness of colors and whimsical forms.
Kondapali toys
Kondapali toys
toy store in Channapatna
The use of shells for decorative purposes is widespread in Tamil Nadu. coconut, from which vases, teapots, bowls, lamps, pencil holders, jewelry and even buttons are made.
coconut scoop
