Echoes of Kurukshetra
This stunning wooden panel captures a pivotal moment from the epic Mahabharata, a cornerstone of Hindu mythology. The scene depicts Lord Krishna, acting as Arjuna’s charioteer, guiding the Pandava prince on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The composition freezes the moments before the great war, a time filled with moral conflict and philosophical questioning. It is a moment of profound internal struggle for Arjuna, a warrior torn between his duty and his compassion for the family and teachers arrayed against him. The artist beautifully conveys the weight of this moment through the figures' posture and expressions. Krishna, ever composed, offers guidance, while Arjuna appears deep in contemplation, gripping his bow but hesitant to unleash its power. The detail of the chariot pulled by majestic horses heightens the drama and sets the stage for the events to come.Mysore Inlay Tradition
Crafted in the Mysore tradition, this piece showcases the intricate artistry of wooden inlay. This meticulous technique involves carefully embedding pieces of contrasting materials – different types of wood, ivory (now often replaced with sustainable alternatives), or metal – into a wooden base to create a decorative design. The result is a visually striking and tactile work of art, where the smooth surface is adorned with a mosaic of patterns and colors. The natural colors of the wood used enhance the image, lending depth and warmth to the scene. The rich tones of the woods used for the frame and other parts of the panel are naturally different but work well together. Each element of the piece, from the sky above to the ground below, is intricately crafted with great attention to detail.A Timeless Tale of Dharma
The Mahabharata is more than just a story; it is a rich tapestry of philosophy, ethics, and moral dilemmas. The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, known as the Bhagavad Gita, is a central text within the epic, offering profound insights into the nature of duty, action, and devotion. It is in this conversation that Krishna reveals himself to Arjuna as an avatar of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and imparts the teachings of Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. Owning this panel is to hold a tangible representation of this timeless tale, a reminder of the importance of dharma (righteous conduct) and the guidance that can be found even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This artwork is not only a decorative item but a piece that encapsulates a rich and complex cultural heritage.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.
