Wood Crafts India

Wood Craft styles in different states in India

Each state of India contributes to the rising standards of Indian handicrafts. With such varied culture and different techniques put to use, the outcome has been that of sheer brilliance. Every state is famous for a particular wooden art form.

The state of Uttar Pradesh is famous for its carved and inlaid wooden handicrafts. The hill range provides the raw material for the manufacturing of these beautiful handicrafts. Products made of ebony and mango wood are known for their elegance, stylish designs and long-life. The artisans excel in the inlaid wood-work where articles like bowls, trays and decorative items are inlaid with brass wire.

Madhya Pradesh provides carved wooden handicrafts like wall panels, doors, window frames, idols and furniture which are crafted from Teak, Sal, Sheesham and Kikar. Various types of wood products such as masks, toys, boxes, flower vases etc. are painted and lacquered by experienced craftsmen.

Rajasthan, which is also known best for its handicrafts, has elegant products like carved tables, cabinets, chairs, tables, chests, windows, racks, chessboards etc. made out of wood. Figurines with inlay ivory work, latticework in rosewood and sandalwood are considered the highlights of the handicraft industry. Rajasthan has the unique concept of painted doors which depict scenes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Household items, furniture, and lamps are just some of the products in addition to puppets which are available in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur among others.

In Arunachal Pradesh trees which are used in making wooden handicrafts are Sal, teak, and oak. The tribal population of Arunachal Pradesh carves exquisite wooden products like dishes, bowls and cups, and toys. Articles like carved and painted masks, miniature figurines, and statues of warriors are worldwide popular.

Gujarat is famous for its exquisitely carved wooden screens and furniture. The artisans carve wooden sculptures and other utility products and then paint them in bright colors. This place is renowned for its elegantly carved large wooden chests and furniture. These wooden screens are wood pieces are inlaid with ebony, redwood, tin and some precious metals and stones.

Craftsmen of Orissa create handicrafts with ivory inlay work, and elaborate carvings. White teak or rosewood is mostly used for inlay work and wood carvings. The most attractive products include handcrafted idols of deities of Puri especially Lord Jagannath. These produces are extremely popular amongst devotees.

Andhra Pradesh is very rich in Red sandalwood which is used to carve panels, columns, framework, and traditional dolls. Mythological figurines, furniture and toys are created using neem, teak, and mango wood. The wooden handicrafts industry also specializes in making musical instruments. In Andhra Pradesh, places like Hyderabad, Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam are renowned for their articles.

West Bengal has inherited a rich tradition of wooden handicrafts. Carved wooden idols of gods and goddesses, and traditional figures are mainly made using wood from trees like mango, teak, bamboo crafts and Bel. The artists are experienced in carving wooden rafters and pillars. They also specialize in painted wooden masks, which are used in religious festivals as they portray gods, mythological heroes, and demons.

In Tamil Nadu, craftsmen carve small wooden shrines for deities, low stools for marriage ceremonies, fans for deities, and other religious significant items. Cooking vessels, vermilion boxes, and toys made of wood are very popular because of the intricate patterns that are carved. Tabletops with floral motifs or parrots, and wooden panels with epic scenes are just some examples.

On the other hand, Kashmir is famous for walnut wood from which craftsmen make exquisite wooden handicrafts with intricate carvings in walnut. Walnut wood is easily available and hence it’s favorite for artists as well as tourists. Floral patterns are prominent amongst items such as tables and other furniture, fruit trays, bowls, chairs, cabinets; candle stands etc. The pattern work is very detailed and elaborate.

Sandalwood and rosewood are mostly used in Karnataka. Artists with expertise craft wooden items like jewel boxes, lamp shades, trays, puppets, and walking sticks. The highlight is the inlay work which is done with ebony and ivory. The specialty lies in the rosewood elephant products made here. Bangalore, Belgaum, Gokak, Mysore, Sirsi etc. are famous in this respect.

Hence, we can see that the rich tradition of producing and carving wooden handicrafts in India has continued for years. For generations we’ve followed the principle of taking from nature and preserving it at the same time. This principle needs to be followed religiously if we want to see our tradition flourish and exist for more years to come.

Wood Craft