WOODEN CRAFTS
History of Indian Wooden Handicrafts
Handicraft is the traditional art of creating useful objects or decorative items entirely by hand. Wooden handicraft is a craft where skilled labor is employed to decorate or carve wood to create items with bare minimum tools. Each piece of handicraft is unique, owing to its individualistic craftsmanship. Goods involving mass production/machinery are not considered handicrafts.
Indian Handicrafts
India is a land of exotic art and traditions. She has a rich cultural heritage of which handicrafts form an integral part. The history of Indian handicrafts dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.).
The legacy of traditional handicrafts is passed on from one generation to the next. India's cultural diversity results in a kaleidoscope of art and handicraft. Be it breath-taking sculptures or awe-inspiring paintings, handcrafted jewelry or mesmerizing woodcraft, it's all here in India. Indian craftsmen create a gamut of masterpieces with exotic shapes, designs, patterns and colors.
Indian Wooden Handicrafts
Wooden handicrafts from India are famous for their beauty and durability. Wooden handicraft has flourished over the centuries. Handcrafted wooden items are a prevalent feature of Indian culture. Skilled artisans carve traditional designs on wooden items, and enhance their look by painting them or with intricate metal/ivory inlay work. The magnetic appeal of Indian Wooden Handicrafts lies in its exclusivity.
India is blessed with a vast number of tree species, most of which are deciduous and evergreen. Alpine forests and trees belonging to arid regions are also present. These trees are used extensively to manufacture wooden handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts of India are renowned for beauty, durability and utility. Wooden handicrafts include wooden furniture, wooden utensils, wooden boxes, wooden beads, wooden toys, wooden miscellaneous craft, wooden decorative craft finely carved figurines, accessories etc.
State-Wise Wooden Handicrafts
Each state of India reflects traditional workmanship pertaining to that region. Every state offers something unique to contribute to the treasure trove of Indian handicrafts. Here, the focus is on Indian Handicrafts in general and Wooden Handicrafts in particular.
Kashmir
Kashmir is famous for walnut wood. Kashmiri craftsmen make exquisite wooden handicrafts with intricate carvings in walnut, and chinar wood which is locally available. Walnut wood is a favorite of carvers here, since it is one of the strongest varieties.
Floral patterns on wood are chiseled with the greatest accuracy of detail. Tables, fruit trays, bowls, chairs, cabinets, candle stands etc. are replete with rich carved patterns and decorative inlay work. Skilled Kashmiri laborers also carve beautiful furniture from rosewood.
In Kashmir, wooden handicrafts are an integral part of Anantnag, Bijbihara, Kupwara, Leh, and Srinagar, among others.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is famous all over the world for carved and inlaid wooden handicrafts. The Shivalik range yields raw material for the manufacture of wooden handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts made of ebony or black sheesham, haldu, and mango wood are well-known for their durability, elegance and stylish designs.
The artisans of Uttar Pradesh excel in the art of inlaid wood-work. Wooden articles like bowls, trays and decorative items are inlaid with brass wire. Wooden handicrafts like furniture, frames, and toys with ornamental, intricate patterns and traditional designs are also available.
In Uttar Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Agra, Almora, Amroha, Bijnaur, Bulandshahr, Khurja, Mainpuri, Mirzapur, Moradabad, Nainital, and Uttarkashi, among others.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of carved wooden handicrafts. The trees which are used in making wooden handicrafts are sal, teak, and oak. The tribal sects of Arunchal Pradesh carve exquisite wooden objects which are not only beautiful, but also useful.
Wood is carved to make dishes, bowls and cups, and toys. Carved and painted masks, miniature figurines, and statues of warriors are very popular. Carved idols of cultural and religious value including those of Lord Buddha are an instant favorite.
In Arunachal Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are available in Lohit, Tirap, Tawang, and Upper & West Siang.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is also known as the 'treasure trove of Indian handicrafts'. Elegantly carved tables, cabinets, chairs, tables, chests, windows, racks, chessboards etc. are produced here. Figurines with ivory inlay work, jali or latticework in rosewood or sandalwood with wonderful finishes are also instant favorites.
Skilled artisans craft decorative and utilitarian objects made from wood that is obtained locally. Painted doors depicting scenes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are unique to Rajasthan. Household items, furniture, and lamps are carved in graceful designs with gentle shapes, and are lacquered in soft shades.
In Rajasthan, carved wooden furniture, woodware and puppets are available in Barmer, Bassi, Chiru, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur among others.
Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for wooden handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden handicrafts from Gujarat like wooden screens and furniture are very popular throughout the world. Artisans carve wooden sculptures, toys and other items of utility, and then paint them in bright, beautiful colors.
Gujarat is renowned for its elegantly carved furniture, large wooden chests and ornate wooden screens. Craftsmen carve decorative panels which are inlaid with ebony, redwood, tin etc. Wooden handicrafts display delicate floral patterns chiseled to perfection.
In Gujarat, wooden handicrafts can be found aplenty in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Diu, Junagadh, Kutch, and Surat among others.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh provides an assortment of wooden handicrafts on a platter. Carved wooden handicrafts like wall panels, doors, window frames, idols and furniture are crafted from sheesham, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar.
Various types of painted and lacquered wood products such as masks, toys, boxes, flower vases etc. are also popular. The experienced craftsmen of Madhya Pradesh carve exotic wooden handicrafts spanning all designs, shapes and sizes.
In Madhya Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Bastar, Budhni, Bundelkhand, Gwalior, Malwa, Rewa, and Sheopur Kalan among others.
West Bengal
West Bengal has an immortal inheritance of wooden handicrafts. Carved wooden idols of gods and goddesses, and traditional figures exhibit craftsmanship exclusive to West Bengal. The wood used for carving is mainly neem, mango, teak, sheesham, and bel.
Wooden platters and bowls inlaid with brass are carved in interesting shapes. The craftsmen of West Bengal are experienced in the art of carving wooden beams, rafters and pillars. Painted wooden masks used in religious festivals depicting gods, mythological heroes, and demons are also very popular.
In West Bengal, wooden handicrafts are produced mainly in Bankura, Birbhum, Burdwan, Darjeeling, Hooghly, Jalpaiguri, Koochbehar, Midnapur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Ramjibanpur.
Orissa
The handicrafts of Orissa portray the rich cultural heritage of this region. Craftsmen of Orissa create exquisite wooden handicrafts with ivory inlay work, and intricate carvings. White teak or rosewood is mostly used for plain wood carvings.
A wide range of painted wooden items like masks, ornamental panels and boxes are very popular. Chief attractions include hancrafted idols of the residing deities of Puri - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath.
In Orissa, the chief centers of wooden handicrafts include Barpali, Berhampur, Bhograi, Cuttack, Khalikote, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Phulbani, Puri, and Sambalpur among others.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is overwhelming in terms of its rich traditional wooden handicrafts. Red sandalwood that is locally available is used to carve panels, columns, framework, and traditional dolls. Each handcrafted piece tells a story of perseverance and dedication.
Mythological figurines, furniture and glazed toys are created using neem (Margo tree), teak, and mango wood. The handicrafts of Andhra are renowned for their decorative value and utility. Artisans carve musical instruments, arches, and wooden balustrades besides combs and trinkets.
In Andhra Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Bhongir, Chittoor, Hyderabad, Kondapalli, Nirmal, Tirupati, Udaygiri, and Vishakhapatnam among others.
Karnataka
Karnataka has carved a beautiful niche for itself in the wooden handicrafts industry. Sandalwood and rosewood are chiefly used to create utilitarian items and mementos. Skilled craftsmen carve exquisite wooden items like jewel boxes, lamp shades, trays, puppets, and walking sticks.
The craftsmen of Karnataka are skilled in wood inlay work, which is depicted in mythological themes, furniture and wall hangings. Inlay work is done with rosewood, ebony, and ivory. Carved wooden items like toys and dolls are also available, and the rosewood elephant is a famous specialty.
In Karnataka, wooden handcrafted items are produced mainly in Bangalore, Belgaum, Bhadravati, Channapatna, Gokak, Hounawar, Kumta, Mysore, Sagar, Siddapur, Sirsi, and Sorab.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has an ancient tradition of carved wooden handicrafts. Craftsmen carve small wooden shrines for deities, low stools used in marriage ceremonies, fans for deities, and other items of religious significance.
Cooking vessels, vermilion boxes, and toys made of wood are also very popular. Wooden items of utility are carved with intricate patterns. Tabletops with floral motifs or parrots, and wooden panels with epic scenes are also very popular.
In Tamil Nadu, wooden handicrafts are produced in Chingleput, Cuddalore, Kanyakumari, Karaikudi, Madurai, Nagercoil, Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Vellore, and Virudhunagar besides others.
Wood Carving
A wood carver begins a new carving by selecting a chunk of wood the approximate size and shape of the figure he or she wishes to create. The type of wood is important. Hardwoods are more difficult to shape but have greater luster and longevity. Softer woods may be easier to carve, but are less resistant to damage. Once the sculptor has selected their wood, he or she begins a general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. The gouge is a curved blade that can remove large portions of wood smoothly. For harder woods, the sculptor may use a chisel and mallet, similar to a stone carver. Smaller sculptures may require the wood carver to use a knife, and larger pieces might require the use of a saw. No matter what wood is selected or tool used, the wood sculptor must always carve with the grain of the wood, never against the grain.
Once the general shape is made, the carver may use a variety of tools for creating details. For example, a “veiner” can be used to make deep gouges into the surface, or a “v-tool” for making fine lines or decorative cuts. Once the finer details have been added, the wood carver smooths the surface. General smoothing can be done with tools such as “rasps,” which are flat-bladed tools with rippled edges. “Rifflers” are similar to rasps, but round in shape for working in folds or crevasses. The finer polishing is done with sandpaper. Large grained paper with a rougher surface is used first, with the sculptor then using finer grained paper that can make the surface of the sculpture slick to the touch.
After the carving and polishing is completed, the artist may color the wood with a variety of natural stains, such as walnut or linseed oil. He or she may also apply a final coat a varnish, a resin-based sealer that will protect the surface and give it a shiny appearance. Objects made of wood are frequently coated with a layer of wax, which protects the finish and enhances the shine.
History of wood carving
From the remotest ages the decoration of wood has been a foremost art. The tendency of human nature has always been to ornament every article in use. The North American Indian carves his wooden fish-hook or his pipe stem just as the Polynesian works patterns on his paddle. The native of Guyana decorates his cavassa grater with a well-conceived scheme of incised scrolls, while the native of Loango Bay distorts his spoon with a design of perhaps figures standing up in full relief carrying a hammock.
Figure-work seems to have been universal. To carve a figure in wood may be not only more difficult but also less satisfactory than sculpting with marble, owing to the tendency of wood to crack, to be damaged by insects, or to suffer from changes in the atmosphere. The texture of the material, too, often proves challenging to the expression of features, especially in the classic type of youthful face. On the other hand, magnificent examples exist of the more rugged features of age: the beetling brows, the furrows and lines neutralizing the defects of the grain of the wood. In ancient work the surface may not have been of such consequence, for figures as a rule being painted for protection and especially color.
It is not always realized at the present day to what extent color has even from the most ancient times been used to enhance the effect of wood-carving and sculpture. The modern Color prejudice against gold and other tints is perhaps due to the fact that painted work has been vulgarized. The arrangement of a proper and harmonious scheme of color is not the work of the house painter, but of the specially trained artist.
Of late years carving has gone out of fashion. The work is necessarily slow and requires substantial skill, making the works expensive. Other and cheaper methods of decoration have driven carving from its former place. Machine work has much to answer for, and the endeavor to popularize the craft by means of the village class has not always achieved its own end. The gradual disappearance of the individual artist, elbowed out as he has been, by the contractor, is fatal to the continuance of an art which can never flourish when done at so much a yard.
Texture
It is always necessary to first identify the texture of wood before the process of carving is initiated. Wood used for carving may be classified into two kinds, namely, hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood refers to wood that is obtained from deciduous broadleaved trees, which shed their leaves annually. Examples of hardwood trees are teak, oak, rosewood, sandalwood, walnut etc.
Softwood comes from trees bearing cones, most of which are evergreen. It is ideal for carving, since it is easy to cut, doesn't splinter, glues well and is good for laminating. Softwood includes pine, cedar, and fir trees.
Since hardwood is quite brittle and difficult to carve with a knife or chisel, the most desirable texture for best carving results is softwood with a very featureless graining.
Methods and styles of wood carving
Chip carving
Chip carving is a style of wood carving in which knives are used to remove small chips of wood from the project surface in a single piece. Chip carvings have two planes: the wood surface and the point beneath the surface where the cuts intersect. Patterns can be free form style or based on geometric figures. The projects are created primarily using chip carving knives upon basswood, butternut, pine, or mahogany
Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving
The Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving is a style of figure carving. The figures are carved in large flat planes, created primarily using a carving knife. Tool marks are left in the carving and very little (if any) rounding or sanding is done.
Caricature carving
A caricature carving is a humorous wood carving that exaggerates or distorts the basic essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness.
Although caricatures can be made of inanimate objects such as cars or buildings, the art form is usually reserved for illustrations of people, especially celebrities and politicians.
Caricatures can be insulting or complimentary and can serve a political purpose or be carved solely for entertainment.
The word "caricature" can also apply to a person or thing that displays behavior or mannerisms that are ridiculously exaggerated and overly stereotypical.
An early definition of the origins of 'caricature', an Italian word meaning 'to load', occurs in the English doctor Sir Thomas Browne's Christian Morals (first published in 1716)
Expose not thy self by four-footed manners unto monstrous draughts, and Caricatura representations. With the footnote:
When Men's faces are drawn with resemblance to some other Animals, the Italians call it, to be drawn in Caricatura
Whittling
Whittling is the art of carving shapes out of raw wood with aknife.
Whittling is typically performed with a light, small-bladed knife, usually a pocket knife. Specialised whittling knives are available as well. They have thick handles which are easier to grip for long periods allowing precise control and pressure.
Occasionally the terms "whittling" and "carving" are used interchangeably, but they are different arts. Carving employs the use of chisels, gouges, and a mallet, while whittling involves only the use of a knife. These days whittling is mainly a hobby and not a living like it used to be before carving machines were invented.
It is a custom that has been practiced worldwide for centuries. Some communities still hold whittling festivals and competitions. Whittling is a traditional sport in the Basque Country, where it is called porizaijlaza. In the southern Appalachians of the United States, it is not uncommon to see inhabitants whittle trinkets, walking canes, and other items from native cedar wood.
Love spoon
A love spoon is an ornately carved spoon traditionally made from a single piece of wood by young men, especially in Wales, as a love token for their sweethearts, to show their affection and intentions
History & Origins
The earliest surviving example, displayed in the St Fagans National History Museum near Cardiff, dates from around 1667, although the tradition probably dates back long before that.
The love spoon is thought to have originated from the "cawl" (soup) spoon. Over generations, decorative carvings were added to the spoon and it lost its original practical use and became a treasured decorative item to be hung proudly on a wall.
Symbols
Certain symbols came to have specific meanings: a horseshoe for luck, a cross for faith, bells for marriage, hearts for love, a wheel supporting a loved one. and a lock for security, among others. The love spoon was given to a young woman by her suitor. It was important for the girl's father to see that the young man was capable of providing for the family and woodworking.
Sailors would often carve love spoons during their long journeys, which is why anchors would often be incorporated into the carvings.Although the Welsh lovespoon is the most famous there are also traditions of lovespoons in Scandinavia and some parts of Eastern Europe, which have their own unique styles and techniques.
Today love spoons are given as wedding and anniversary gifts, as well as birthday, baby gifts, Christmas and "just because". They are now mostly seen as a folk craft.
Treen (wooden)
Treen is a generic name for small handmade functional household objects made of wood. Hence treen is distinct from furniture, such as chairs, and cabinetry, such as clocks and cupboards.
Anything from wooden plates and bowls, snuff boxes and needle cases, spoons and staybusks to shoehorns and chopping boards can be classed as treen. Domestic and agricultural wooden tools are also usually classed in with treen.
Before the advent of cheap metal wares in industrialized societies, and later plastic, wood played a much greater part as the raw material for common objects. Turning and carving were the key manufacturing techniques. The selection of wood species was important, and close-grained native hardwoods such as box, beech and sycamore were particularly favoured, with occasional use of exotics, such as lignum vitae for mallet heads.
Wooden objects have survived relatively less well than those of metal or stone, and their study by archaeologists and historians has been somewhat neglected until recently. Their strongly functional and undecorated forms have however been highly regarded by designers and collectors.
The scholarly study of treen was greatly advanced by Edward Pinto (1901-1972), who started collecting in his childhood and wrote a definitive book on the subject. In 1965, when Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery purchased his collection, it contained over 7,000 items.
Wood Carving Techniques
Indian craftsmen are proficient in the art of wood carving. They use various techniques to carve wood. Wood carving may be broadly classified into four types:
• Deep carving is usually two inches deep, or more. These carvings are replete with intricate floral and animal motifs. This requires a lot of labor and skill, and is the most expensive form of carving.
• Shallow carving is usually half an inch deep. In this form of carving, skilled artisans carve patterns on a flat surface. This form of carving is characterized by mythological themes.
• Latticework, involves ornate designs which are carved onto the wood. Mostly used for windows, this form of carving portrays carved motifs of interlaced foliage, animals, and birds, besides others.
• Semi-carving is done on a thin panel along the rim of a surface. This form of carving is a carver's delight since it allows the grains of wood to be displayed along with the carver's skills.
Carving Tools
A set of tools is extremely essential to carve wood into desired shapes and designs. While carving knives are basic tools to begin with, a small set of chisels and gouges would be of great use while carving comprehensive pieces. The more intricate the design, the more mechanized the tools.
The most common tools used by Indian craftsmen to carve wood:
• Carving knives are basic carving tools. They are available in various shapes and sizes.
• Chisels have a cutting edge, and are forced into the wood to produce carved patterns. They may be of two kinds - square, and skew.
• Gouges are chisels with a partly cylindrical blade. They have curved cutting edges.
• Rasps and files are used for detailed carving. They have separate conical teeth, and are excellent for shaping decoys.
• Grinding Tools are also called Rotary tools, these are one of the most commonly used and preferred tools. Grinding tools should be used in ventilated areas as they generate a lot of dust.
• V-tools are also known as parting tools, have cutting edges in the shape of a 'V'. V-tools are used to make sharp incisions and fine carving. The angles of the 'V' come in degrees ranging from 25 to 90 degrees.
Wood Crafts
Wood craft is the artistic practice of shaping and decorating wooden objects. India is famous for wooden handicrafts. Skilled craftsmen of each state create handicrafts using wood that is available locally.
The most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are teak, sheesham, sal, oak, mango, ebony and mahogany. Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are expensive and are used in producing fine pieces of furniture and decorative items.
There has been a complete revival of the traditional and antique wood craft, owning to its uniqueness and demand in India and abroad. Indian artisans are experimenting with designs to create a blend of traditional and modern woodcraft. Each piece of Indian wooden handicraft is a labor of love, sweat, and patience, which no machine can replicate.
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The art of wood carving has flourished in many parts in Madhya Pradesh, and the beautifully embellished wooden ceilings, doors and lintels with finely carved designs are silent testimonials of its glory. The wood carvers of Madhya Pradesh, with great sensitivity and skill transform different varieties of wood such as shish, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar into works of art. Besides the famous wooden memorials, the craftspersons of Bastar and Chattisgarh, Malwa, Nimar and Bundelkhand, Sheopur-Kalan, and Rewa also make pipes, masks, doors, window frames and sculptures. Madhya Pradesh also offers a variety of painted and lacquered woodcraft items such as toys, boxes, bedposts, cradleposts and flower vases. The major centres of this art are Gwalior, Sheopur-Kalan (Morena), Rewa and Budhni (Raisen).
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