An ancient craft, woodwork is practiced in different regions in distinctive styles. The places of worship (namghars) and mythical images of Assam are traditional of wood.
Wood- carvings are seen in the temples, rathas of Odisha; pillars and beams of rural houses in West Bengal; facades, balconies of houses in Ahmedabad; the furniture’s (lathe-worked) of Sankheda, Gujarat. South India is famous for its wood-carvings on rathams. The houses in Kerala have wooden beams, ceilings, brackets, pillars. In Kashmir, there are even wooden mosques.
Kashmiri craftsmen make beautiful wooden handicrafts with intricate carving in walnut and chinar wood which is locally available. Tables, fruit trays, bowls, chairs, cabinets, candle stands, etc. are richly carved with floral patterns and decorative inlay work. Beautiful furniture from rosewood is also made.
The artisans of Uttar Pradesh are remarkably good in the art of inlaid woodwork. 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 Arunachal Pradesh, 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 also made.
Skilled artisans in Rajasthan create decorative and utilitarian objects from wood that is obtained locally. Painted doors depicting scenes from the 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.
Gujarat is famous 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 beautifully.
Craftsmen of Odisha create exquisite wooden handicrafts with ivory inlay work and intricate carving. White teak or rosewood is mostly used for plain wood carvings. Many painted wooden items like masks, ornamental panels, and boxes are made. Special mention must be made of the handcrafted idols of the presiding deities of Puri—Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath.
Andhra Pradesh is famous for the mythological figurines, furniture, and glazed toys that are created using neem, teak, and mango wood. Artisans carve musical instruments, arches, and wooden balustrades besides combs and trinkets. The Kondapalli toys are famous in this state. Kondapalli toys are made in and around Kondapalli, a little village in the Vijayawada district.
The craftsmen specialize in themes taken from their immediate surroundings. The toys are made out of the locally-available soft Puniki wood, which is easy to carve. It is subjected to a process of slow heating, to draw out all the moisture. The limbs are carved separately and later joined to the body. The glue used consists mainly of paste made from tamarind seeds.
The brushes used to color the toys are very fine and sharp, made of goat hair. Both watercolours and oil paints are used to paint. Mythology, rural life, and animals are the main themes on which the toys are made.
Swans, peacocks, and parrots are popular subjects too, as are scenes from life, such as women drawing water from a well, snake charmers, an elephant with a mahout on its back, potter at work, etc. Kondapalli toys have got GI protection.
In Karnataka, sandalwood and rosewood are chiefly used to create utilitarian items and decorative items. The craftsmen are skilled in wood inlay work on furniture and wall hangings. Inlay work is done with rosewood, ebony, and ivory, though nowadays plastic has replaced ivory. Carved wooden items like toys and dolls are also available, and the rosewood elephant is famous.
