WOOD WORKS OF NORTH INDIA

GUJARAT
KASHMIR
RAJASTHAN
Prepared by
Mrs. Shaistha Shabnum, B.Sc. M.A. M.Phil.
Assistant Professor – Interior Design and Décor,
Department of Research and P.G. Studies in Home Science,
Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women, Chennai.
GUJARAT
WOODWORK
FURNITURE
• Wood carving is a famous and traditional craft of Gujarat. Temples
and old houses provide the best example of the richness of this craft
with projecting balconies and floors of the mansions deeply carved.
Wooden boxes and chests were once major dowry items. Bhavnagar
can boast of the ‘patara’, a bridal chest on wooden wheels. Pethapur
has its carved blocks. But, there is no need to pine for the past as
doorframes, lintels, and shafts are available even now in Gurjari. Even
inlay work using coloured wood, horns and even commercially viable
options like plastic are used in artifacts, wooden plaques.

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• One of the richest regions for wood-carving is Gujarat. The cantilevered balconies of
palaces in Palanpur and Bhuj have been beautifully carved while the majestic doors
of traditional houses or havelis are artistic masterpieces with images of the goddess
Lakshmi or the elephant deity Ganesh carved in the central portion of the archway.
• The wood-carvers in Gujarat make extensive use of the parrot motif to highlight
architectural features and ornament lid handles, door brackets, edges and corners
of chests. Large-sized chests called pataras, from Bhavnagar in Saurashtra, is a part
of the bridal trousseau, fashioned to hold bed rolls, jewellery, documents, oil and
grain. Soothing colours and designs in the tin foil style are used in making furniture
in Sankheda which is noted for its low seats, tables, stools and swings.
• Junagadh and Doraji in Rajkot district are famous for cradles with stands, cupboards
with cubicles and jhula or swing which are typical of Gujarat. The wood-carver
community of Gujarat, known as the mewara mistris, work in rural and urban areas.
• Wood inlay work of Surat is also famous and involves placing of pieces of ivory,
plastic, horn, bone, metal, and fine wires into carved surfaces. The wood on which
inlay work is done include teak rose wood, or sandalwood.

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Shaistha Shabnum – Interior Design and Decor
Shaistha Shabnum – Interior Design and Decor
Shaistha Shabnum – Interior Design and Decor
KASHMIR
WOODWORK
FURNITURE
WALNUT WOODWORK - FURNITURE
Carved walnut wood-work is among the most important crafts of Kashmir. Kashmir
is now one of the few places in the world where walnut is still available at an
altitude of 5500-7500 feet above see level. The wood is hard and durable, its close
grain and even texture facilitating fine and detailed work. It also presents visually
interesting effects with mere plain polished surfaces in fact in contemporary
products, plain surfaces and small carvings are preferred, especially on trays,
tables, bowls and similar items. The Kashmir craftsman, however, rejoices in
carving intricate and varied designs. A variety of carved products bear recurrent
motifs of the rose, lotus, iris, bunches of grapes, pears and chinar leaves. Dragon
motifs and patterns taken from kani and embroidered shawls all find their place in
wooden objects with deep relief carving.

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A variety of articles, both decorative and utilitarian, ranging from
small items like bowls, trays, cigarette boxes, wall plaques and
table lamps to screens, bedsteads and larger items of furniture
are carved in walnut wood. The raw material used for fine wood
carving is obtained from walnut trees, locally known as “DoonKul” and
is cut only once it matures to an age of 300 years. This wood is
considered for a number of qualities; it is hard and durable, also, its
close grains and even texture facilitates fine and detailed carving work.
Moreover, the wood presents visually interesting effects with mere plain
polished surfaces. Four main types of carving are usually practised
in Kashmir-raised, engraved, undercut and plain. The carving of
furniture and smaller items is an elaborate process and involves
high degree of skill and craftsmanship. The carving is done with
the help of small indigenous tools. The art of wood carving is
centred in the city of Srinagar.

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WALNUT – CARVED DINING TABLE WITH FLORAL PATTERN

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SOFA – CUT WORK CHINAR MOTIF

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WRITING TABLE WITH DRAWERS IN FLORAL DESIGNS

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RAJASTHAN

WOODWORK
FURNITURE
Rajasthan is a land of beautiful palaces and interior of these palaces define royalty and
amazing craftsmanship. Intrusive art of carving and painting on rajasthani furniture has
taken major place in interior designing worldwide. These handmade furniture and
decorative items have been continuing to beautify our homes in present modern era too.

TYPES OF WOODWORK:-
Indian hand painted furniture – in Rajasthan, painting furniture is becoming famous all
over the world. It has become so popular that now artwork like embossing, miniature, etc.
are also painted on Indian style furniture. The process of painting furniture can be
different. Some paintings are directly drawn on wood piece Rajasthan is a land of beautiful
palaces and interior of these palaces define royalty and amazing craftsmanship. Intrusive
art of carving and painting on rajasthani furniture has taken major place in interior
designing worldwide. These handmade furniture and decorative items have been
continuing to beautify our homes in present modern era too. Here are the types of
Indian woodwork available in India.

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• TYPES OF WOODWORK:-
• Indian hand painted furniture – in Rajasthan, painting furniture is becoming famous all over the world. It has
become so popular that now art work like embossing, miniature, etc. are also painted on indian style furniture.
The process of painting furniture can be different. Some paintings are directly drawn on wood pieces and then
assembled to make product. There is also another technique where wood is carved with small tools and these
carved nerves are filled with colours. Once the painting is finished on wood, a process is done to make wood
smooth and glossy. It is also polished to preserve the longevity of wood.
• Carved wooden furniture – wooden carving can be found in many states of India and every state has its own
speciality of carving. Carving is done completely by hand to give wood antique look. The process of carving
begins with drawing that is transferred on wood by using paper. When the paper is placed on wood it can either
be traced using pen from top of paper or ink on the paper can directly be transferred or printed on wood. Then
the carving begins by using small chisels by craftsman. The end process is always same for all type of woodwork
which is buffing/ polishing.
• Distressed or reclaimed wooden furniture – this type of furniture is affordable and perfect for people who like
antique interior. It comes in different colors like pink, green, grey, etc. Since these products are remade from old
wood, they are tested well for quality and durability. The main stages in the process are abrading and painting
which are the main work that gives product an antique look. However they need extra care and maintenance but
they are worth it.
• Bone inlay furniture – it is one of the most famous hand crafted wood work in India. It is also easy but very
intricate craft work at the same time. To begin the process of inlay, firstly bones (mother of pearl too) are peeled
and cut into leaf-shaped pieces then they are pasted and affixed on pre-carved wooden pieces. Many colors can
be given by filling colors in the pieces of bones. Inlay furniture in India is famous because of quality work.

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JHAROKHA

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WOODEN DECORATIVE ITEMS

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JEWELLERY BOX

PAINTED ART WORK

ON CABINET
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