A Glimpse into the Wild
This exquisite piece transports you to the heart of a lush jungle, where a family of elephants roams freely. The rich, natural hues of the wood provide a warm and inviting backdrop to the captivating scene. Watch as the elephants journey through the painting, each with its own unique pose and personality. The intricate inlay work brings the jungle to life, with careful attention to detail. Imagine the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft trumpeting of the elephants as they make their way through their natural habitat.The Art of Mysore Inlay
This panel is a stunning example of Mysore wood inlay, a traditional art form originating from the city of Mysore in Karnataka, India. Dating back to the reign of the Wodeyar dynasty, this craft involves intricately embedding different types of wood, ivory (now often substituted with synthetic materials), and other materials onto a base of rosewood. The process is painstaking, requiring immense skill and patience. Each element is carefully cut and fitted into place, creating a seamless and visually stunning composition. The subtle variations in wood grain and color add depth and texture to the overall design, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. This tradition stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.Elephants in Hindu Mythology
Elephants hold a revered position in Hinduism, deeply intertwined with religious symbolism and mythology. The most prominent association is with Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked at the beginning of new ventures and is a symbol of intellect and auspiciousness. The elephant as Ganesha's mount represents strength, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. Beyond Ganesha, elephants are considered sacred animals, embodying royalty, power, and dignity. The majestic presence of these animals has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries, making them a popular motif in Indian art and culture. To own this piece is to not only display art, but to welcome the divine spirit of the elephant into your home.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.
