Divine Love in Three Dimensions
Experience the captivating allure of eternal love with this exquisite wooden panel. Crafted with intricate detail and a remarkable three-dimensional effect, this artwork brings the divine couple, Radha and Krishna, to life in your home. The panel showcases the pair in a moment of serene bliss, gently swinging amidst a lush, enchanted forest. The natural wood grain provides a warm, grounding backdrop, allowing the vibrant colors of the inlay work to truly shine. Notice how the artist has carefully rendered the fine details of their clothing, jewelry, and expressions, conveying a deep sense of peace and affection.The Timeless Tale of Radha and Krishna
Radha and Krishna's story is a cornerstone of Hindu mythology, symbolizing the ultimate devotion and selfless love. More than just lovers, they represent the divine feminine and masculine energies, their bond a metaphor for the soul's yearning for the divine. The swing, or *jhula*, holds special significance in their story. It is a symbol of joy, playfulness, and the ever-present dance of creation. Celebrated particularly during the festival of Jhulan Purnima, the swing represents the heart, and the gentle swaying mirrors the rhythmic movements of the universe, filled with love and longing. It is believed that by picturing and celebrating Radha and Krishna on a swing, one can invoke their blessings and bring harmony into their own relationships.Craftsmanship and Artistry
This panel exemplifies the rich heritage of traditional Indian artistry. The use of natural color on wood with intricate inlay work reflects a technique passed down through generations. The careful selection and placement of each piece of inlay contribute to the three-dimensional effect, creating a sense of depth and movement. The presence of peacocks and rabbits, considered sacred and auspicious animals, within the detailed scenery add to the depth and richness of the visual narrative. Display this stunning piece in your home to evoke a sense of tranquility, devotion, and the beauty of timeless art. It is not just a decorative item, but a window into a world of divine love and artistic mastery.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.
