Wood Work of Rajasthan
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RAJASTHAN is not only known for its desert but wood work also. The presence of jungles in some parts of Rajasthan like Kota, Jaipur, Banswara and Udaipur had opened ample opportunities for its craftsmen to produce wood items like furniture, toys and house-hold articles. Wood work industry had developed in Rajasthan due to the ruler’s patronage and many artists of Udaipur, Pratapgarh and Bassi made their name in their respective works. Being of wood, the artistic pieces do not survive for long like other antiques but we have some beautiful and artistic wood work master pieces of 17th and 18th centuries in the various museums of Rajasthan. The palaces of former rulers and mansions of rich people still adore this art and give glimpses of artistic work of this industry.
The simple living and austerity measures adopted by ancient Indians have not much helped in developing the art of furniture. But
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with the advent of Mughals, the nobles and rich people emulated them and encouraged this art by patronizing the many artists.
Wood carving was quite popular in medieval Rajasthan. The carving on the doors and other wooden items was simple but elaborate. Bikaner was an example where the doors of the palaces were superbly inlaid with ivory. The main doors of houses in Rajasthan indicate the gorgeous style of wood carving that prevailed. The impact of Mughal craftsmen was so much that they were popularly known as ‘Akbari Mughal Rajput style doors’. Such designs as those of lotuses, rosettes, peacocks, betels, parrots and medallions reflected both the influences of Hindu and Muslim cultures. They bear “Hindu bracket bosses and Muslim star cartouches and arabesques’. The doors of temples and palaces had this magnificent look. Among the palace doors, those of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer are most exquisite being inlaid with ivory
In Rajasthan, Bassi a small town near Chittorgarh is well-known for crafting beautiful puppets and toys. The figures of Ishar and Gauri made for Gangour festival have distinctive features. They make two figures stand upright, hand stretched out, decorated with ornaments. The clothes on these figures and indicated through different colors. These figures which are gaily painted are made to cater to the requirements of different festivals. The mobile wooden shrine with deities has epic scenes and verses from scriptures painted in attractive colors. They also make small painted platforms specially used during marriage rituals. Attractive wooden vanity boxes are decorated by peacock-shaped boats on the top with two riders and a bridal procession painted in brilliant colors. The other works of wood carved in Bassi are toys, Chakla, Belan and other small fancy items. They are made of black, wood and polished.
The tradition of wood carving is old. Ornately carved wooden doors can still be seen in Shekhawati and Bikaner. The beautiful pieces are the floral designs adorning the projected riches and balconies of houses. In some of the palaces in Rajasthan, carved figures are used in brackets. Brass inlay and wooden doors are also very intricately carved. This type of work though two centuries old is still used and adorns many a house in some parts of Rajasthan. Another style of wood ornamentation is plating it with precious metals like silver and gold. This is done on doors of temples, which can be seen in Vaishnav and Jain temples of Rajasthan. The special technique of applying metal on wood is also exhibited in temple objects like chariot, whisk, the swing and the cradles.
In Barmer, a border district of Rajasthan, Rohida wood is used in making fanciful wooden articles. The carvings on the tables, roofs, cradles, doors and cots are unparallel in beauty. Many such articles are even exported in good numbers. It is also famous for making wooden seats of camels and horses. Brass and iron inlay on the wooden articles made of Shisam wood are its specialty.
A beautiful form of marquetry was once produced at Etawah in the Kota district of Rajasthan. Veneers of horn were carved out pieces of ivory and mother of pearl which were inlaid in the horn. These special veneers were then fixed to the boxes and other articles made of sandal wood. Wooden lattice work was also common with different designs. Despite removal of the fixed frame the lattice lathes never come apart due to the workmanship of the craftsmen.
Jaalis, that is, perforated or latticed windows, doors arches, screens and parapet walls have been popular in Rajasthan architecture. The wood workers at Bikaner have promoted this art. Udaipur is quite a popular centre for wooden toys. They seem to play there such a pivotal role that when a marriage is fixed the boy’s family makes sure that the bride-to-be is familiar with lathe. The lacquering is done in the usual way, pressing the lac stick against the revolving article. The leaves of flowering cactus are used for polishing. The articles are either in single color or in rings of bands or bands of different colors. Some complicated designs and color schemes are affected by manipulating the lac turnery and using multifarious techniques. The traditional ones include a cart drawn by a sparrow which makes a charming picture as also the kitchen sets, toilet box, grinder, cradle on stands etc. The modern ones cover a lantern, gramophone, train, car, jeep, aeroplane, counting bead-stand clock tower etc. Apart from the attractive shape, the coloring is delightful. Imitation fruit is a very special product.
Jaipur has become now centre for producing wood furniture incorporating modern trends. Its oriental furniture is attracting wide notice in foreign markets. The art of lacquering called as Nakshi work is unique on some of the wooden articles. The instruments of music like harmonium, violin, veena and flute being produced in large quantity are quite popular in domestic as well as foreign markets.
Udaipur for long has adopted the zig zag and dana technique in lacquering. The wooden items are adorned with beautiful designs and soft shades. The marked improvement in quality and design is visible from the items like tables, teapots, lamps, decorative plates and toys produced in various manufacturing centers of Udaipur.
Pipar city and Bhari Sujanpur in Pali district are popular centers for preparing paper-thin bowls (Kamandlus) for the use of Jain Munis from Rohida wood. Lathes are used to give it shape and gentle look. Figures of religious deities like Issar and Gauri are also made in wood for festive occasions. The wooden horse, a specialty of wood craft, is offered at Ramdeoji rendered to the society. It is also symbolic of the services of the faithful horse which accompanied its master on various mercy missions. These wooden horses are carved in different sizes with taste and decoration by the craftsmen.
Sandal wood carvings of Rajasthan very closely approximate the ivory items of the region. From the selection of theme to the style of representation and size, they look as if one is the counter-part of the other. The carvings represent mythological figure, figure of various animals like camel, elephant, horse, peacock and vegetable motifs. The popular sandal wood articles sold are lamps, Radha Krishan Figures, Towers of Victory of Chittorgarh and traditional folk characters like Dhola-Maru. Jaipur, Udaipur and Bharatpur are the main manufacturing centers of this craft.
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