Making of Rosewood Inlay Handicraft, Mysore Crafts
Mysore is famous for wide variety of handicrafts, other than its textiles and paintings. We were showroom-hopping there to pick up hand carved gifts as souvenir to take back home. Rosewood Inlay Handicraft pieces were in plenty there. A visit to the factory of a showroom there was the most captivating experience. The workers there willingly showed us their specific roles in creating the beautiful art pieces; inlay work on rosewood.
Wood inlay art is different from painting artwork on wooden panels. Though one form of art cannot be compared to another form, because each has its own aesthetic value, the process is very different. Wood inlay artwork is similar to marble inlay work. The art is etched out on the surface and with sharp too a the area inside the outline is scraped / scooped out. Different colored marble, plastic, enamel, lacquer is inserted into the grooved pattern to create the imagery.
This wood inlay work is not to be confused with Marquetry. In the latter the pieces of pre-designed cutouts of wood are pasted on as veneer to a wooden surface.
Making of Rosewood Inlay Handicraft
One of the carpenters meticulously carved grooves in the predesigned images and patterns on the rosewood board, by carefully scooping out along the lines. The motifs that were to be inlaid were piled in groups. Another craftsman fitted the motifs into the grooves. Until a few decades back these motifs were of ivory and the price of each art piece was exorbitant. However with the ban on ivory, these motifs are now made of colored plastics.
Once the motifs are fixed, the next artisan takes over. Every process in this wood inlay work went on systematically. Finally the artisans smoothed the finish using a sandpaper to give the final finished work. It all sounds easy right? It looked easy too; my daughters were keen to try out their skills on them. However easy it may look or sound, the fact is that, one has to be dedicated and talented enough to produce these wonders. And no one can beat the long years of hard work that has gone into acquiring this skill.
If this same inlay work is done on ordinary wood the cost comes down drastically. They don’t last long too, often customers have complained there were termite infected. The ones that use real rosewood cost really high. So if you are purchasing rosewood inlay art do check the quality of the wood.
Inlay Materials
Over the years as art forms have evolved the choice of inlay materials too have increased. The various materials used are: aluminium, brass, and copper powders, lacquer, coffee grinds, crushed stone, and crushed stone powder, enamel, specialized nuggets and powders that glow in the dark inlays.
Do you know gold and silver too are used for inlay work? Guess where? (Answer in the end of the post. Let me know in comments if you knew the answer. 🙂 )
Artisans of Mysore
The descendants of artisans who migrated from Persia to Srirangapatna during the time of Tipu Sultan might have helped propagate this craft. Today there are around 4000 artisans in this city of Mysore, earning their daily bread through this art.
Talking to them and seeing them work creating wonderful Rosewood Inlay Handicraft so much in detail was awe-inspiring. The factory officials are smart; they encourage visitors to mingle with the workers so that we become emotionally tied to their products and ultimately their brand ambassador.
Wood Inlay Products
The Cottage Emporium showroom in Mysore had mind boggling collection of wooden inlay craft items. Furniture, wall hanging, cutlery, ashtrays, boxes, bookends and more.
(Answer to the trivia – Gold and silver inlay is used in dentistry.)
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(This was first posted on Sep 18, 2008.)
A good artist makes art look effortless…
Glad to see what you were doing three months ago!
Morning greetings from Niger,
Esther
I came for new ones today….read all …
your travelogues and introductions are truly worthy of reading…i liked news paper earings, especially..not to say any lessof others..
i know many interesting posts are in the making…
Come again!
Wishes!
devika
How do you manage to go behind the curtains ? I mean normally shopkeepers/showroom owners don’t tell us or don’t let us go there for fear of us knowing the insights.
I salute.
I salute.
Beautiful handcrafts. It’s always refreshing to see that not everything has been taken over by technology.
Interesting thing to notice is where ever you go, you capture these creative people, either they are making – pots, handicrafts or mats. Sometimes, i wonder if they know what prices these items that they created are actually sold for?
You have the most interesting post topics and always do such a fine job with them.
Rosewood carvings are nice. Very find artwork by the masters!
mysore is so rich in these handicrafts ..great post , probably one of the best Ive read on mysore
Wonderful wonderful wonderful post which always attract me here to read your blog. The people look patience and concentrating on the art. great review.
Indrani… ur posts are too good as usual…u always manage to keep us readers interested..
I have always wondered what keeps these artisans ticking.. it is not only the money I am sure but the passion.
In this world of ours where we expect quick and hard money to be counted in hours, it is a relief to note that there are still people who love their work in spite of the returns not being in par.
Great story! I think it’s neat customers are encouraged to mingle to bring a tie in to the work of art they will be receiving.
Amazing talents!
Hi Indrani! After a short break but a long absence, I’m finally back to the blogosphere and found some time to enjoy your excellent blog…
Beautiful pictures of great works!
Also loved to see the Kesava Temple; another one on my wait-list… ;))
Many thanks for your comments on Blogtrotter, while I was off. It’s now still in Kos on the way to Crete! Hope you enjoy and wish you a great weekend and a nice week ahead!
In a day where most things are automated, it’s nice to see hand crafted products and good that they aren’t killing elephants for it.
a great effort to showcase such unknown artists and their craft. superb!
Beautiful art pieces I also visit the site and saw an ivory piece. It looks like a hair ornament or something I just can’t figure it right but certainly very beautiful..Happy weekend Indrani.
indrani, u post such quality posts. i feel a little embarrassed i simply write i feel like writing only 🙂
Absolutely stunning. I always enjoy reading your blog and especially your PSFs.
Absolutely stunning. I always enjoy reading your blog and especially your PSFs.
I always learn things when I come to your posts…and I love that. They truly are amazing artists, aren’t they?
Your posts inspire me and make me curious to what’s going on in your world. The photos are very good and you have created your story with love.
Thanks for your visit and have a great weekend!
Oho… This was Tipu patronised art and craft? Thank you for that
news and walk thro’ of the art centre. Am proud to inform that I had earlier purchased two wall
hangings.. from a Mysore handicraft exhibition. One’s a
hero and heroine silhouette in a boat and another is a scary Grrrrr
Tiger..!!!!
What beautiful craftsmanship! How awesome. 😀
Truly amazing. Great post.
Wow… to be able to create such beautiful artwork…
Great post.
Not sure if the last message got to you or if it was an owner approval. well here goes……
Must take a lifetime to acquire such skill.
Beautiful pictures and a very interesting story.
That must take a life time to accomplish such skill.
Very interesting post! Lovely photos.
wonderful artwork
Very nice and informative piece.
Good feature on the artists. Hope their lot improves, and they get compensation they are happy with.
this reminds me so much of China – we visited a couple of stores/factories – to find the perfect wood carvings for our home – gorgeous – meticulous work for PENNIES!! just amazing craftsmanship!
That is truly talent. I have so much admiration for those who can create beauty with their hands.
Indrani, I always adore these posts; they are beautiful tributes. Now THOSE are REAL artists I say!
Hello !
He is an artist !