Wood craft in India has a very rich heritage dating back several centuries, beginning around 3000 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. These handmade wooden crafts are known for their brilliant craftsmanship and are a remarkable example of the talent of our Indian artisans. We can find a large variety of decorative items, wooden toys and utensils, and even furniture that showcase India's cultural diversity and traditions. They are crafted from various types of wood, such as teak, whitewood, Indian rosewood and sandalwood, and have intricate details and designs. Indian wooden handicrafts add an aesthetic look to any space and remind us of the country's artistic history with crafts
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The Historical Significance of Indian Wooden Handicrafts
The history of Indian wood handicrafts finds its beginning in the Indus Valley civilization, which started in 3000 BC and ended in 1700 BC. The importance and beauty of these handicrafts is that they were passed from one generation to the next and each new generation learned various skills and added to their knowledge of creating the most unique wooden handicrafts.
Wooden handicrafts have been used to create religious statues and sculptures for temples and shrines, which display the diversity and culture of our motherland. These have exquisite detailing and have lasted for centuries. The determination and devotion of the craftsmen can be seen in the exquisite craftsmanship of the statues and wooden handicrafts of India.
Apart from religious statues and artefacts, wooden handicrafts have been used widely for other practical purposes like furniture, architecture and utensils. We can still admire them in world-renowned Indian monuments featuring intricately carved pillars and other art forms. They are not only important as a historical expression of artistic skill but also embody an aesthetic beauty and a purpose for future generations.
Different Wooden Crafts of India
Let’s take a look at the different wooden crafts of India - from wooden home decor to wooden furniture, wooden handicrafts of India are popular worldwide.
Kashmir
Some of the famous Kashmiri wooden handicrafts consist of walnut furniture, which is renowned in this state. One of the important ones to note is the "jaali work" which bears extraordinary detailing and is designed onto wooden items, clothing and other pieces. Walnut furniture and wooden boxes created with vibrant colours and intricate designs are also sought after. These crafts have motifs of roses, lotus, chinar leaves, pears and other important articles.
Uttar Pradesh
Some of the famous crafts include wooden furniture like cabinets, tables, and chairs, Banaras wooden toys and decorative items like wall hangings and paintings. Saharanpur in UP is known as the "sheesham wood village" and is home to some of the most exceptional wood carvers who create magic with their artistic skills.
Gujarat
Gujarat is home to a vibrant heritage of wooden handicrafts. The state is famous for its intricate Gujarati wood carving, seen in beautifully carved furniture and doors, made by talented craftsmen. The most popular is the traditional craft of "Kutchi woodwork". This involves geometric patterns and mirror work, most commonly on cots, chairs, backrests and frames. It can be placed in homes and hotels.
Kerala
The woodcraft of "Nadavarambu wood carving," which specialises in carving beautiful motifs onto wooden pillars and ceilings, is regarded to be one of the most prominent Kerala crafts. Other Kerala wooden handicrafts marvels include wooden masks worn in Kathakali performances, wooden toys, and decorations. Sandalwood products and Nettur Petti, a nine-sided wooden chest to store jewellery are some of the many unique wooden handicrafts of this state.
Punjab
Punjab is famous for its "Phulkari woodwork," which consists of bright flower motifs carved onto furniture and other small items. "Sheeham woodwork" is a unique type of handicraft that features fine carving on Sheesham wood to create magnificent home furnishings such as beds, tables, and chairs. There is also the wooden Jali work, which is known for its excellent design and is found in Hoshiarpur in Punjab.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a variety of crafts to offer, especially expertly carved wooden items such as chairs, dining tables, and cupboards. This state is well-known for its "Jharokha" art, which has beautiful wooden windows. Rajasthan is also noted for its wooden hand puppets, toys, and items decorated with bright colours along with mirror work. Elegant and magnificent wooden handicrafts and statues adorn the palaces and havelis.
Assam
Home decor furniture, palkis and kharams or walking sticks are examples of Assamese woodcrafts. The Assamese culture is well-known for its wooden masks, which are utilised in traditional theatrical performances, as well as other wooden sculptures depicting diverse historical motifs. The state also has exquisite cane and bamboo handicrafts.
Karnataka
Karnataka is well-known for its Sandalwood sculpting, which is used to make furniture and other wooden crafts. Another well-known Karnataka craft is "Mysore Rosewood" work, which features exquisite designs carved and sculpted using different types of wood alternately. The state is also known for its beautifully crafted furniture and Chanapattana wooden toys.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed your journey through the exquisite and unforgettable unique wooden handicrafts of India. These handicrafts are an irreplaceable part of our culture and history, which is why iTokri offers traditional Indian wood handicrafts made by expert artisans, so you can support their skill and feel a part of Indian history!
FAQ
- Which city in India is famous for wooden crafts?
Saharanpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh is the most popular for wooden crafts, and is known as the "sheesham wood village".
- Which states in India are famous for wooden crafts?
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Assam, Karnataka and Kashmir are some of the states famous for wooden handicrafts in India.
- Which is the famous wooden toy craft of India?
Channapatna toy craft is a famous wooden toy craft in India which originated in Channapatna, a town in Karnataka.
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