Skip to main content

Walnut wood carving : Golden Hands that craft Magic

CATCH THE CRAFT 

Kashmir is only region in India bestowed with the presence of Majestic walnut trees.The walnut from Kashmir are rich and famous worldwide for their taste.Another dimension of walnut tree is beautiful carving it hosts.

Locally known as ‘doon’ tree. Wood is hard and durable .it is close grained and even textured which facilitates fine and detailed carving work.walnut wood has an inherent sheen which comes on its own when polished with wax or spirit.

 

A walnut wood carving of Kashmir employes a process of hand carving done very carefully and delicately ,in various styles by means of varied tools ,fabricated locally depicting Forms and Motifs ,that have evolved over a period of centuries.

The Carving employs a host of motifs that depict the varied Flora and Fauna of the region in a highly styled manner.

 wood logs to be used for carving are cut into planks of desired thickness with the help of machine ,locally known as “Bandsaws” and the process is locally known as cherun . Planks are then cut and stacked to dry naturally allowing air to pass through planks ,which are then kept in erect standing position so that sap in the plank descends .this process takes 4-6 months .wood that is dried completely is liable to carving . border="0" height="320" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccfml9AATO1Lcn-09jS-16gJpD9pBQf1rz0KyCNMKerye_-Sx0bY2-nxamMJwstq5g0Rc05uNReYYkoNaheCSVJMdd4NjArwhle4u_oenMEDZrvAzunJvAWGIqVJ0KMZWK2dhxYif92P4/s320/IMG_20201115_213139.jpg"/>
MANZOOR AHMAD WOOD CARVER ,HAMAMBAL KHANYAAR SRINAGAR 


During the process of carving wood undergoes series of steps :

 



  • Inscribing (Lyeakhun) : first step is inscribing MOTIFS on wood . this is done with the help of pencil which serves as the baseline for naqash.

 

 ■ Beating (Dagun): it involves digging out according to drawn pencil lines . done with the help of chisels called DAAGI VOUL and a small mallet called "THAAP". 

 

 

 

  • Zameen kadun: This involves deeper digging around the motifs .

 

 

 

  • Giving Shape (Guzar dyun): Giving a broader outline to the inner intricacies within the motif . 
  • Texture (SumbKadun): this is the final step in the carving of the walnut wood ,sumb is nail like tool with teeth like structure .
  • Polishing and Furnishing : the last step is polishing and furnishing given to the item before it can be sent out to market.the person engaged with this work is called “Roshan gaar”.

 

 

Walnut woodcarving is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Islamic missionary Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom during the reign of Zainul Abdideen in the 15th century. The king promoted the art to improve the valley’s economy. And the ever-blooming market for these master beauties kept bringing wealth and employment to the artisans until a few decades ago.

 

The craft was initially restricted to the creation of elaborate palaces and houses. Written records tell of Zain-ul-Abadin`s great razdani, palace, and its elaborate wood carvings. To this date, several fine examples of intricately carved buildings, shrines and mausoleums survive in Kashmir — the shrines of Noor-ud-din-Wali at Charar-e-Sharif, the Naqshaband mosque and the shrine of Nund Rishi are just a few of them.
It has moved from elaborate creations to a whole range of contemporary products across the spectrum.


Walnut wood furniture has a global appeal. Wood industry of Kashmir has been brought to the international arena for these excellent types of woodcarving. It enjoys immense popularity and global acclaim.

 

Conclusion:

In today’s Contemporary market,kashmiri walnut carving is recognisable because of color and tone and its combination with the local craftsmanship depicting certain established motifs in a miniaturized form in traditional established styles.

 

Dar Javed postgraduate in craft management and Entrepreneurship 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating Janmasthami : Deep connection to my Roots

Dar Javed Polity | Governance | Culture . As I sat in my small hostel appartment, thousands of miles away from home, my heart longed for the familiar streets of Kashmir. But little did I know, a news headline this morning was about to transport me back to the valley, filling my heart with pride and joy. "Janmashtami celebrated with religious fervor in Kashmir - Muslims join Hindus in celebrating Janmashtami". Tears of happiness welled up in my eyes as I read the news. I couldn't believe it. In a world where religious differences often drive people apart, my hometown was setting an example of unity and harmony. I remembered the Janmashtami celebrations of my childhood, the vibrant processions, the devotional songs, and the sweet prasad. But what made this news special was the fact that Muslims were joining hands with Hindus to celebrate the festival. I felt proud to be from Kashmir, a place where people of different faiths came together to celebr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crewel Embroidery kashmir

CREWEL EMBROIDERY OF KASHMIR Dar Javed In words of Kamla Devi Chattopadhay (Social Reformer) “It (Kashmir Embroidery) is essentially a child of landscape and bountiful nature and is, therefore, as varied in its richness, as superb in its beauty… the embroiders of this region seem so overwhelmed by natures riotous beauty that they are caught up in alluring embrace. The floral motifs with their inexhaustible display of colors, variegated birds, luscious fruits, majestic mountains, and shimmering lakes- all find a place in Kashmir Embroidery “There are many kinds of embroidery in Kashmir. Crewel Embroidery is the most common form of embroidery in Kashmir. It is remarkable even today because of the beauty of its HOW CREWEL EMBROIDERY CAME TO INDIA (ORIGIN)  Crewel work has a rich history, stretching at least as far back as early medieval times, influenced by exotic flora and fauna, this form enjoyed popularity in the Jacobean area, in Europe and America during 17th ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sare Jahan se acha …. The Wonderland That’s India.

Sare Jahan se acha …. The Wonderland That’s India Dar Javed : As a Kashmiri, I see India in my blood and soul. My love for this land is woven into the very fabric of my existence, and as Independence Day approaches, this love intensifies, stirring a deep intuition within me. I often find myself singing"Saare Jahan Se Acha Hindustan Hamara," a testament to the pride I take in being a part of this great nation. There is no place on Earth like India, and my connection to this country is as natural as the rivers that flow through its vast landscapes. May this love grow stronger every single day, filling my heart with an ever-deepening pride for my nation. Even when I step beyond its borders, I see no difference—I simply carry this love for my country wherever I go. Mark Twain once famously said that India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother ...
Post a Comment
Read more