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Lacquered Work of Rajasthan
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The lacquered art of Rajasthan having its origin in the 18th century was patronized by Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur. He imported the artists from other states and encouraged the establishment of this industry. This art came to Jaipur from Persia via Punjab. The Second World War gave a fillip to the handicrafts and since then about 100 establishments are engaged in the different aspects of this craft.
Though lacquer work is closely allied to the famous enameling work of Rajasthan, it maintains its uniqueness in several other items. Lacquered wood work of Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur are famous for brilliant finish of charming colors. Jaipur and Jodhpur are well known centers of the lacquered work. Its beauty and workmanship is demonstrated in lac bangles and bracelets. Beautiful matching lac bangles are produced in all possible colors sometimes even fitted with ornate glass pieces
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and beads.
A throne, manufactured of lacquered wood, belonging to the 18th century which is in possession of Bikaner’s ex-ruler, exhibits good workmanship and quality. Bikaner is also famous for painted and gilded wood work. Windows and doors of the houses decorated with this art work look very attractive.
On the surface of the wood, which had been previously well rubbed with liquid clay and allowed to dry, the outlines of a flower pattern was stenciled with a bag of powdered charcoal through perforated paper. Successive layers of liquid clay were then applied with small squirrel hair brushes within the outlines of the pattern, each layer being allowed to dry before the next application, until a raised surface, bringing out the stalks, leaves and petals with sufficient distinctiveness had been produced. The whole surface was then fixed by a coat of print and when this was dry gold leaf was applied over all.
The other centers of lacquered wares and lacquered turnery are lndargarh Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Tonk and Alwar. Bassi, a small village in Chittorgarh district prepares interesting articles of wood carving painting with lacquer colors. The toys and objects like lssar and Gangour figures of this center are very popular throughout the country. Painted wooden and Papier-Mache works are in great demand in the foreign countries.
Images sourced from Google Search Engine with the term "Rajasthan Lacquer Work" |
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