A Royal Procession in Wood
This beautiful piece, crafted in the age-old tradition of Mysore wooden inlay, depicts a king in royal procession, mounted upon a magnificent elephant and attended by his Sarthi, or charioteer. The scene evokes a sense of majesty and power, capturing a moment of regal display. The artwork comes alive with rich, natural colors carefully applied to the wood panel, enhancing the intricate details brought forth through the inlay work. The choice of natural colors lends an earthy and authentic feel to the artwork, highlighting the organic beauty of the materials used.
The technique of wooden inlay is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen. Each element of the composition, from the king’s attire to the elaborate ornamentation of the elephant, is meticulously inlaid, creating a textured surface that adds depth and visual interest. This labor-intensive process results in a work of art that is both visually stunning and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.The Significance of the Elephant
In Indian culture, the elephant holds a place of immense reverence. Known as Gaja, it is associated with strength, wisdom, and good fortune. The elephant is also linked to the god Indra, the king of the gods, who rides Airavata, a divine white elephant. Thus, the presence of an elephant in a royal procession is not merely a display of wealth and power, but also a symbolic assertion of divine favor and righteous rule. The skillful rendering of the elephant in this panel speaks to the artist's understanding of its cultural importance, portraying the creature not just as a beast of burden, but as a symbol of auspiciousness and authority. The Sarthi, or driver, perched atop the elephant’s head, guides the majestic creature, ensuring a smooth and steady progress for the royal entourage. This figure is symbolic of control and guidance, reflecting the king's need for both power and wise counsel.
Mysore Inlay Tradition
The art of Mysore wooden inlay is a delicate and intricate craft that has been passed down through generations. It involves meticulously carving and assembling small pieces of different types of wood to create elaborate designs. This panel embodies the essence of this tradition. The choice of wood, the precision of the inlay, and the vibrant use of natural colors all contribute to the artwork’s unique character and enduring appeal. Displaying this work is not merely an act of aesthetic appreciation but also a celebration of a venerable artistic tradition.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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