Wood Carving - Craft Documentation & Online Research Archive

Wooden Lathe Toys ~ Varanasi

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:27:10 +0000

The Wooden lathe toys of Varanasi, made on lathe (turning machine), are commonly known as lacquerware toys. These toys are simply fashioned and brightly lacquered, which gives them their distinctive identity, earning them the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015. They are crafted by skilled artisans in the colonies of Kashmiriganj and Khojwa in Varanasi. The artisans practising this craft belong to the Kunder Kharadi Samaj.

The post Wooden Lathe Toys ~ Varanasi first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wood carving ~ Narayanpur

info_admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:59:45 +0000

Wood carving Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, is one of India’s most celebrated tribal art forms. It is a vital part of the broader Bastar woodcraft tradition, characterized by its intricate storytelling, connection to nature, and reflection of the cultural heritage of the locals. Bastar wooden craft received the Geographical Indication Tag in 2007 for its uniqueness of creation.

The post Wood carving ~ Narayanpur first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wood Craft – Sawantwadi

dev team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:51:00 +0000

Sawantwadi wooden toys were never merely playthings. They have been present over centuries, spanning through an intricate intersection of entertainment, education, cultural transmission, and sacred tradition, making them cherished artifacts across ages and spaces. These toys served purposes far beyond amusement, acting as visual aids, cultural carriers, and emblems of regional pride. Explore the wood craft Sawantwadi and bring a piece home.

The post Wood Craft – Sawantwadi first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wood Carving- Banaras

dev team — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 14:18:25 +0000

In Banaras, carved wood is never just an object—it is memory, prayer, utility, and beauty, all held in the palm of the hand. Whether found in the corners of old homes, beneath the domes of temples, or on the steps of the ghats, wood carving lives alongside the people of this city. It blends into their rituals and routines, into their festivals and farewells, into what is sacred and what is ordinary.

The post Wood Carving- Banaras first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wooden Toys ~ Nirmal

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:01:47 +0000

The name of the craft, “Nirmal Toys” is synonymous with the city itself. Made from a locally sourced lightweight wood, these toys undergo a series of treatments and are then hand-painted, giving them a distinctive local aesthetic. The vibrant color palette is evident, reflecting hues commonly seen in temples, posters, and even traditional clothing.

The post Wooden Toys ~ Nirmal first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Lacquer Wood, Nirona- Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:13:09 +0000

The lacquered wooden products crafted in Nirona village have a unique kaleidoscopic appeal. Artisans create a variety of functional wooden products using simple lathe tools, demonstrating not only their talent and creativity but also their dedication to preserving age-old techniques. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, lacquered wooden products play a vital role in the economic sustainability of artisans’ families, serving as a crucial source of income. Moreover, the allure of these unique creations attracts tourists and art enthusiasts, fostering cultural exchange and generating economic benefits for the community.

The post Lacquer Wood, Nirona- Kutch first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wallnut Wood Carving, Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:26:14 +0000

Srinagar, in the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its crafts. Across the areas of Safa Kadal, Noor Bagh and Fateh Kadal are karkhanas (workshop) famous to crafts such as pashmina, copper carving, embroidery and walnut wood carving. Mostly situated in the by-lanes of downtown Srinagar, it is easy to identify a wood carving karkhana from a distance. The periodic hammering of timber and the strong smell of shaven wood makes it distinct.

The post Wallnut Wood Carving, Srinagar first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wood Carving – Kullu

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:32:27 +0000

The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a part of the western Himalayan region with a wide variety of forests. The mountain ranges here are not only inhabited by rich flora and fauna, but it has also influenced the artistic mores of the people in this region. The craft of wood carving is regarded as one of the major aesthetic traditions of the region and undoubtedly, it holds way more value than mere a visual treat. The Devabhoomi(s) (God’s land) has innumerable temples with carvings of wood as well as stone. It is not only for the old ones, but the new additions also share the same expression. The presence of such richly carved structures amidst the Himalayas has supported a subsistence economy for centuries till now. Wood carving, a vernacular craft, is a product of a culture that has evolved with time with geography and thus mirrors the strong cultural and historical forces of a specific region.

The post Wood Carving – Kullu first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Kathakali Headgear ~ Vellinezhi, Palakkad

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:15:41 +0000

Kathakali is one of the 9 major Indian classical dances recognized by the Indian Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Academy. Native to the state of Kerala, Kathakali was born in the 17th century. It is the performance or enactment of stories through dance and ancient Indian martial art techniques. The roots of Kathakali can be traced back to Bharat muni’s text Natya Shastra that contains verses on performance techniques. Traditionally, religious, spiritual and folklore narratives comprised the plotline of Kathakali performances. In recent times, however, adaptations of modern literary works and stories have been incorporated too.

The post Kathakali Headgear ~ Vellinezhi, Palakkad first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Pinjirakari~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:06:41 +0000

Pinjirakari is the craft of latticework in Kashmir. Chipped and carved out of light deodar wood, these pieces consist of strips of wood arranged in repeating geometric forms. These pieces are then joined to make the larger form. The distinguishing fact of this woodwork is that it does not use any glue for sticking together the pieces. They are held in position by precise joinery and the pressure they exert on each other.

The post Pinjirakari~Srinagar first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.