THE CRAFT
Sandalwood Carving
From the state of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Sandalwood is cherished for its enchanting fragrance and versatility. It has been a prized carving material for centuries. Despite being far removed from the sandalwood forests of Karnataka, Rajasthani artisans are renowned for their masterful craftsmanship using the material.
Influenced by the delicate artistry of Rajasthani miniatures, artists craft dolls, floral designs, medallions, betel nut cases, and artfully crafted fans.
Influenced by the delicate artistry of Rajasthani miniatures, artists craft dolls, floral designs, medallions, betel nut cases, and artfully crafted fans.
Heritage Value
The time-honored tradition of Rajasthan features intricate woodwork adorns doorways and window arches. They showcase a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput artistry. Driven by the rulers' fascination with intricate carvings, the sandalwood industry truly prospered in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The distinct sweet fragrance characteristic of Sandalwood, stems from its heartwood. The tree's fragrant core that retains its captivating aroma for years to come. Sandalwood is pliable due to its tight grains and minimal knots. Detailed designs are achieved through intricate carving methods on a miniature scale.
In the Rajasthani tradition, the carving process begins by cutting the sandalwood block to the desired size. The artists then trace the design onto the wood, with a technique known as maandana. Craftsmen initially sketch designs on paper and then transfer them onto the wood.
With a deft touch, artisans wield indigenous tools like small iron sticks, knives, and chisels. These tools are used to sculpt intricate details, to achieve the precision akin to filigree artists for miniature objects. Excess wood or residue is chiselled away to reveal the final form. Often, the themes for these miniature wooden carvings revolve around Indian history, mythology, and everyday life.
The distinct sweet fragrance characteristic of Sandalwood, stems from its heartwood. The tree's fragrant core that retains its captivating aroma for years to come. Sandalwood is pliable due to its tight grains and minimal knots. Detailed designs are achieved through intricate carving methods on a miniature scale.
In the Rajasthani tradition, the carving process begins by cutting the sandalwood block to the desired size. The artists then trace the design onto the wood, with a technique known as maandana. Craftsmen initially sketch designs on paper and then transfer them onto the wood.
With a deft touch, artisans wield indigenous tools like small iron sticks, knives, and chisels. These tools are used to sculpt intricate details, to achieve the precision akin to filigree artists for miniature objects. Excess wood or residue is chiselled away to reveal the final form. Often, the themes for these miniature wooden carvings revolve around Indian history, mythology, and everyday life.
Memory Vault
Malchand ji Jangid, a National Award winning artist from Churu in Rajasthan, created a life-size sandalwood Rajasthani doll in 1971. It has gone down in history as the largest carved artefacts. He often narrated that wood carving was a pre-ordained calling in his life. He had a dream in which he was instructed by God to earn his living by making miniature artwork.
Disclaimer:
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