A Masterpiece of Mysore Wood Inlay: The Attacking Tiger
This breathtaking 48-inch-wide painting captures a dramatic moment in the wild, showcasing a majestic tiger in the throes of an attack on a stag. The intricate details and vibrant colors bring the scene to life, creating a captivating piece that will undoubtedly become a focal point in any home or collection. The skill of the artisans is evident in the seamless blend of natural wood tones, creating a realistic and powerful depiction of this predator and its prey. The painting is more than just a visual spectacle; it is a testament to the rich history and artistry of Mysore wood inlay, a tradition passed down through generations.
The Mystical Tiger in Art and Folklore
Tigers, in various cultures across Asia, are often imbued with mythical significance. In many traditions, they represent power, strength, and courage, often associated with deities and spiritual figures. The tiger is a recurring motif in ancient Indian art and literature, symbolizing both the untamed wilderness and the divine. Stories and legends abound, where tigers act as guardians, protectors, and even messengers of the gods. Consider, for instance, the tiger’s prominence in tales involving the Hindu goddess Durga, often depicted riding a tiger, a symbol of her strength and dominance over evil. Similarly, the tiger is viewed as a powerful and revered creature in many indigenous cultures across Southeast Asia and beyond, holding a place of importance in their mythologies. This painting, therefore, not only depicts a stunning scene of nature but also encapsulates the cultural significance and mystical aura surrounding this magnificent animal.
The Art of Mysore Wood Inlay: A Legacy of Skill and Patience
This piece exemplifies the unparalleled skill and patience of the Mysore wood inlay artists. This age-old craft involves painstakingly piecing together different types of wood to create incredibly detailed images. The result is a work of art that is both visually stunning and tactile, with a depth and richness that cannot be replicated through other artistic mediums. Each small piece of wood is carefully selected and precisely cut to shape, a process that requires years of training and a steady hand. The artisans’ dedication is reflected in the exquisite detail of the tiger’s fur, the stag’s antlers, and the surrounding forest landscape. Choosing a piece of Mysore wood inlay is to own a piece of living history, a tangible link to a tradition that has endured for centuries.
A Timeless Investment: Adorning Your Space with Natural Beauty
Measuring 24 inches in height and 48 inches in width, this artwork makes a significant statement, adding a touch of both elegance and the untamed beauty of the wilderness to its surroundings. The natural wood tones and the exquisite inlay work ensure this painting is a timeless investment, a piece that will only grow in value and appeal as the years go by. Its substantial size commands attention without being overwhelming, blending seamlessly with a range of interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary. More than simply a decorative piece, this painting brings a touch of the mystical and the majestic into your home, offering a daily reminder of nature’s power and beauty. Own a piece of artistic heritage, and bring the spirit of the Indian jungle into your living space.
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.
