A Window to Divine Grace
This exquisite piece invites the benevolent presence of Sai Baba into your home, rendered with loving detail in the traditional Mysore wooden inlay style. The artwork captures Sai Baba in a moment of blessing, his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of fearlessness and protection. It is an offering of grace, a promise of refuge for those who seek solace and guidance. The subtle halo behind his head suggests the saint’s divine radiance and enlightenment, further enhancing the spiritual quality of the artwork.Crafted with Devotion: Mysore Inlay
Originating in the kingdom of Mysore, this art form is steeped in history. Mysore inlay work involves intricately embedding small pieces of differently colored woods into a base wood to create a mosaic-like picture. This piece is a beautiful example of this rare art form. Each element, from the folds of Sai Baba’s robe to the serene expression on his face, is meticulously crafted. The natural colors of the wood are carefully chosen and arranged to bring depth and life to the image, creating a composition that is both visually stunning and spiritually uplifting.Sai Baba: The Saint of Shirdi
Sai Baba of Shirdi, revered as a saint and fakir, bridged the divide between religions, embodying the essence of unity and universal love. His teachings stressed the importance of faith, patience, and compassion, and he often emphasized the oneness of God, regardless of name or form. Stories of Sai Baba’s miracles and boundless love continue to inspire devotees around the world. He is known for his sayings that resonate deeply with those seeking inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. Placing this panel in your home or sacred space serves as a reminder of these timeless principles, fostering a sense of devotion and serenity.How Mysore Wooden Inlay Paintings Are Made ?
Wood inlay is a historically significant art form from the 18th century. It arrived in India through Srirangaptnam in Mysore from Persia but has become an inevitable part of the Indian heritage. Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyars/Wadiyars are credited with the growth of this 400-year-old art form in Mysore and its neighboring areas.
Wood inlay work is usually done on a Mysore rosewood base, and other woods are used, like mango, kadam, jackfruit, rubber, doodhi, etc. Pieces of wood are adorned with beautiful motifs and patterns made from various materials. From wall hangings and paintings to jewelry boxes and furniture, many items are made using the Mysore wood inlay technique.
An outline is etched on a piece of rosewood with a sharp tool. Then, the area inside the outline is hollowed out, and materials like lacquer, enamel, contrasting wood, and sometimes even gold and silver are placed inside it. A sandpaper is used to give a
smooth finish to the surface.
Process of Mysore Wood Inlay Work -
The first step in the process is selecting the base and the design to be carved onto it. Planks are cut out of Rosewood logs in many shapes like square, rectangular, oval, or even circular. The surface is smoothened, and the sides are evened out.
The second step is creating the designs for the inlay on paper. These designs are then traced on transparent paper and then transferred to the surface of the desired material, such as another type of wood, lacquer, plastic, etc.
After that, the design is traced onto the rosewood planks. Using a coping saw, the designs are cut, and the rough edges are smoothened using a smooth file. Once that is done, the wood inside the outline is scooped out, leaving groves in the plank.
After that, the design cutouts are fitted in the groves, and the surface is beaten with a hammer to ensure the designs stay firm and in place. In case of any gaps, they are filled using a mixture of glue, rosewood, and sawdust.
The final step in creating Mysore wood inlay products is cleaning and polishing the items with beeswax. A coating of lacquer is applied to give them a glossy touch.
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