The Divine Charioteer
Delve into the heart of the epic Mahabharata with this exquisite wooden panel. The scene captures a pivotal moment in the Kurukshetra War, showcasing Lord Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna. More than just a driver, Krishna is the divine guide, the embodiment of Dharma, steering Arjuna, and by extension, humanity, towards righteousness in the face of moral conflict. Witness the powerful portrayal of Krishna imparting wisdom and courage to Arjuna amidst the clamor of battle.
The Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, narrates the dynastic struggle for the throne of Hastinapura between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The epic explores themes of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha - the four aims of human life. The war between the cousins, set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is not just a battle for land, but a battle between good and evil, right and wrong. Krishna's role as Arjuna's charioteer is integral, for he is not merely driving a chariot, but guiding Arjuna through the complexities of morality and duty.Craftsmanship and Artistry
Created using the traditional art of Mysore wooden inlay, this panel is a testament to skilled craftsmanship. The natural colors of the wood are carefully chosen and meticulously arranged to bring the scene to life, enhancing the drama and emotion inherent in the epic tale. The intricate inlay work adds depth and texture, creating a piece that is both visually stunning and rich in cultural significance. The border surrounding the central panel features delicate carving, enhancing the artwork with a touch of traditional elegance. The use of natural colors allows the wood's inherent beauty to shine through, creating a warm and inviting piece of art.
Mysore inlay work is a centuries-old art form originating from the region of Mysore in Karnataka, India. It involves carefully embedding small pieces of wood, ivory, or other materials into a wooden base to create intricate designs. The process requires precision and skill, as each piece must be perfectly fitted to create a seamless and visually stunning finished product.
This piece will bring a sense of history, spirituality, and artistic beauty to any space, and serve as a reminder of the timeless lessons contained within the Mahabharata.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.
