Auspicious Abundance
This stunning piece depicts the revered Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, love, and fortune. Rooted deeply within Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is not merely a deity of material riches; she represents the spiritual wealth that comes from righteous living and the blessings bestowed upon those who lead lives of virtue. She is often depicted seated upon a lotus, symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. Just as the lotus rises undefiled from muddy waters, Lakshmi's presence elevates and enriches the lives of her devotees. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and together they represent a perfect balance of creation and preservation, essential for harmony and prosperity.
The tradition holds that Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, also known as Samudra Manthan. This significant event produced many divine beings and treasures, and Lakshmi, radiant and beautiful, chose Vishnu as her eternal partner. Her birth from the ocean signifies her connection to all forms of abundance, flowing freely like the waters of life. Worshipping Lakshmi, especially during festivals like Diwali, is believed to invoke her blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.The Art of Mysore Inlay
This beautiful artwork is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Mysore, India, renowned for its exquisite wooden inlay work. Originating during the reign of the Wodeyar dynasty, this intricate craft involves meticulously embedding pieces of ivory, sandalwood, or other precious materials into wood, creating stunning patterns and imagery. The process requires immense skill and patience, with artisans carefully selecting and shaping each piece before expertly fitting it into the prepared wood surface.
The enduring beauty of Mysore inlay lies not only in its visual appeal but also in the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural heritage it represents. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the artistic vision of the artisan and the timeless appeal of traditional Indian art forms. The use of natural materials, combined with the skillfull handwork, creates a piece that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful, connecting the viewer to centuries of artistic tradition. The detailed inlay work captures the serenity and grace of the goddess, making it a truly captivating piece. The natural colors of the wood enhance the overall composition, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it's a celebration of Indian heritage and artistic excellence.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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