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Box from Kerala

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Name: Box from Kerala
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAQ90
Price: 315.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$295.50

$394

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The Nettoorpetti or Nettur Petti box is a handcrafted hardwood box from Kerala. It is a wooden chest made entirely of jackfruit tree wood. The box is well-known for its toughness. It is widely desired because of its exquisite appearance and royal attitude. This box has beautiful brass designs on the lock, handle, and body, displaying superb craftsmanship. The Nettoorpetti has historically been essential in protecting and safeguarding treasured goods and papers. It represents Kerala's cultural legacy as a link to the region's history and artisan traditions. This historic box exemplifies the creativity and functionality of Kerala's handicraft history.

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Specifications

	ZAQ90
	Wood and Brass
	Height: 8.3 inch
	Width: 10.5 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 2.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Treasure Trove of Craftsmanship

This exquisite box, a testament to the rich artisanal heritage of Kerala, is more than just a container; it is a piece of art steeped in tradition and symbolism. Crafted from dark, lustrous wood, its surface gleams with a natural warmth, hinting at the skilled hands that shaped it. The rich grain of the wood provides a perfect canvas for the intricate brass embellishments that adorn its every facet. Each piece of brass is meticulously cut, hammered, and polished to create a symphony of design, lending an air of regal elegance to the entire piece.

Guardians of Sacred Treasures

The ornate brass work is not merely decorative; it carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The prominent motif on the front, reminiscent of a stylized flame or a celestial tree, often represents prosperity, auspiciousness, and divine protection. In Hindu mythology, such motifs can symbolize Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, or Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The protective nature of the brass corner reinforcements and the robust latch further evoke the idea of safeguarding precious belongings, whether they be sacred items used in puja rituals, precious jewelry, or treasured keepsakes. The small, paw-like feet on which the box rests elevate it, signifying respect and a connection to the divine, much like how deities are often depicted on pedestals.

A Legacy of Kerala's Woodwork and Metal Craft

Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," boasts a legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship, particularly in woodwork and metal artistry. This box embodies that legacy, reflecting centuries of learned techniques passed down through generations. The use of fine wood, likely sourced from the region's abundant forests, combined with the intricate brass inlay work, showcases a mastery of combining different materials to create objects of both utility and profound beauty. Such pieces were traditionally found in the homes of royalty, wealthy merchants, and within the sacred spaces of temples, used to store and present valuable offerings or sacred texts.

An Heirloom for Today

Imagine this striking box gracing your home, a conversation starter and a functional piece of art. It is ideal for storing your most cherished possessions, from fine jewelry to important documents, or it can serve as a magnificent vessel for your puja essentials, holding incense, kumkum, or other ritual items. The secure latch ensures that your valuables are kept safe, while the overall design adds a touch of timeless sophistication to any room. This box is not just an acquisition; it is an investment in heritage, a tangible connection to a vibrant cultural past, and a beautiful heirloom to be treasured for years to come.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.

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