In Kashmir, wood from the walnut tree is among the preferred woods for carving doors, tabletops, and the geometric khatamband ceilings. While floral webs and hunting scenes draw from Persian imagery, landscapes hold a local flavour through motifs like the iconic chinar (oriental sycamore) leaf and shikara (Kashmiri wooden boats).
The richly carved, flowing vines and birds on the wood surface remind one of the famed sozni and kani shawls of Kashmir that make use of similar forms and motifs.
Artist
M Shabhan and Manzoor Ahmad
Srinagar Kashmir
Mohammad Shaban is the master artisan who started working at the tender age of 15. Having now practiced for the last 66 years, he is versed in every type of carving pattern – undercut being his favourite. Hailing from the downtown area of Srinagar, he inherited this skillset and livelihood from his father.
The Craft
Walnut Wood Carving
The sturdy quality of the walnut wood and its uniform, smooth texture allows Kashmiri craftsmen to carve some of the most beautiful, intricate designs on it. The designs include motifs of the chinar leaf and other flowers and fruits. The walnut tree is locally called Doon Kul.
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