A Glimpse of Divinity
Immerse yourself in the serene grace of Lord Tirupati Balaji with this meticulously crafted wooden panel. The artwork is rendered in natural colors, bringing a sense of grounded beauty to this depiction of the deity. The traditional artistry shines through, embodying the reverence and devotion associated with Lord Venkateswara. This piece offers more than just aesthetic appeal; it provides a window into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and devotion.The Legend of Lord Venkateswara
Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Legend tells of his arrival at the sacred hills of Tirumala, where he sought refuge after a quarrel with Lakshmi, his consort. Seeking to provide sustenance for himself, he borrowed a large sum of money from Kubera, the god of wealth, promising to repay it. The deity continues to reside at Tirumala, fulfilling the wishes of his devotees and allowing them to contribute towards the repayment of his debt. The temple at Tirumala is one of the most visited and wealthiest pilgrimage sites in the world, a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion of millions.Vaishnava Symbols: A Mark of Auspiciousness
The Vaishnava symbols featured alongside Lord Balaji, the Chakra (discus) and Shankha (conch), are integral to Vishnu's iconography. The Chakra, a symbol of righteousness, represents the power to destroy evil and maintain cosmic order. The Shankha, blown during rituals, symbolizes the sacred sound of "Om," the primal vibration of the universe. Their presence in this artwork reinforces the deity's role as a preserver and protector. The inclusion of these symbols transforms the artwork into a complete representation of Lord Vishnu’s divine authority and benevolence.Mysore Inlay: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
This artwork is created using the traditional Mysore wooden inlay technique, a craft deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Karnataka, India. Mysore inlay involves intricately embedding pieces of wood, ivory (or a suitable alternative), and other materials into a wooden base to create stunning patterns and designs. The practice dates back centuries, patronized by the Wodeyar kings of Mysore, who fostered the arts and crafts within their kingdom. This enduring art form is not just about aesthetics; it carries with it the legacy of generations of artisans who have dedicated their lives to mastering this delicate and beautiful craft. The natural colors enhance the inherent beauty of the wood, lending an earthy and authentic feel to the piece.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.
