The Divine Embodiment of Prosperity
Immerse yourself in the captivating aura of the divine with this exquisite wooden panel, meticulously crafted in the traditional Mysore style. This artwork presents Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, in her benevolent form. The rich, natural colors of the wood serve as a canvas for the intricate inlay work, bringing the goddess to life with remarkable detail and depth.
Seated gracefully on a fully bloomed lotus, the symbol of purity and enlightenment, Lakshmi bestows her blessings upon all who behold her. Her four arms, a testament to her boundless power and grace, hold symbolic objects. Two hands cradle lotus flowers, representing beauty, fertility, and spiritual awakening. Another hand is posed in Abhaya Mudra, dispelling fear and offering protection, while the fourth hand is in Varada Mudra, signifying the granting of boons and blessings.
A Glimpse into Mysore's Artistic Heritage
This panel is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mysore's wooden inlay tradition, an art form that flourished under the patronage of the Mysore royal family. Skilled artisans painstakingly embed small pieces of contrasting materials, such as ivory, sandalwood, and rosewood, into the base wood to create stunning visual narratives. This labor-intensive technique results in works of art that are not only beautiful but also incredibly durable, ensuring that they will be cherished for generations to come.
The meticulous detail and vibrant colors of this panel are a reflection of the deep reverence and devotion that the artisans hold for the deity. The intricate patterns and motifs, carefully chosen and executed, create a harmonious and visually stunning composition that is sure to captivate the senses. The rich textures of the wood and the shimmering accents of the inlay work add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.
Invite the blessings of abundance and prosperity into your home with this magnificent representation of Goddess Lakshmi. Let her presence serve as a reminder of the limitless potential for growth and fulfillment that resides within each of us. Place it in your puja room, living room, or office to create an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and abundance. This exceptional piece is more than just a work of art; it is a symbol of hope, prosperity, and the eternal power of the divine.
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.
