History of Indian Furniture
India has a very long woodcraft history with its prime time during Vijayanagar Empire southern India(1336AD). Wood craftsmen then were highly respected by the royalty because woodcraft was considered an art and a trade. Woodcrafts can be found everywhere in India, on wooden doors, posts, walls, in remote villages, in cities, in modern buildings, in temples, and one will be impressed by the wide variety of styles of this craftwork.
Woodwork carries several important implications in India. Being heavily influenced by art and literature, ebony wood was the symbol in the south, particularly among the royalties, whereas walnut was the symbol in the north. With woodcraft, legends and folklores are kept for many years. It is this element of continuity which ancient art and culture are preserved.
It is well-known that Indian craftsmen can turn wood into many other amazing wooden inventions in the world. They use wood locally found and change it into decorative objects such as cabinets, screens, tables, candleholders, boxes, trays and even toys or in a different scale houses and rooftops. The wide variety of wood sources such as sesham wood, Indian rosewood, teakwood, sandalwood and coconut tree also encourages the wide range of wooden creations in the region. With sandalwood in particular, it is considered by most Indians to be a gift from God because of its fragrance which lasts for years.
Contrast to the present rapid developments in information and technology, Indian wooden furniture still maintains its traditional way of using simple tools and processes in its production. Because of this, there is still much ethnic flavour to be found in the furniture. And also due to the way the furniture is made, Indian wooden furniture is the symbol of durability and elegance.
The availability of raw material and regional variations have long influenced furniture making in India. Wooden furniture has always been known for its durability, elegance and design, which lends an aristocratic look to a particular room, be it an office or a home. The reason why Indian furniture has been regarded as prized possession is its ethnic flavour.
In some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat colourful painting of furniture is quite common. Traditional designs and motifs are painted in colours, which are again traditional. The items that are generally available in this range are small chairs and tables, bajots and chowkis, stools with string seats, boxes, cabinets, mirror/picture frames, doors and windows.
In Rajasthan, the furniture that comes from Shekhawati holds its unique importance in the market. This furniture is made from local timbers like sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), mango (Mangifera indica), and babool or kikar (Acacia nilotica).
You will also find several pieces of Indian furniture that have been transformed into something else. As an example, window grills and doors have now been turned into coffee tables and cupboards.Although India is known for many fine things, it stands at the top of the list when it comes to furniture. Remember, domestic furniture as it is known in Europe today was not traditional in India prior to the 16th century. It was soon discovered that while the Indians were not good or accurate at copying, they were highly skilled.
Disclaimer:
Courtesy:www.laxmiexport.com
Woodwork carries several important implications in India. Being heavily influenced by art and literature, ebony wood was the symbol in the south, particularly among the royalties, whereas walnut was the symbol in the north. With woodcraft, legends and folklores are kept for many years. It is this element of continuity which ancient art and culture are preserved.
It is well-known that Indian craftsmen can turn wood into many other amazing wooden inventions in the world. They use wood locally found and change it into decorative objects such as cabinets, screens, tables, candleholders, boxes, trays and even toys or in a different scale houses and rooftops. The wide variety of wood sources such as sesham wood, Indian rosewood, teakwood, sandalwood and coconut tree also encourages the wide range of wooden creations in the region. With sandalwood in particular, it is considered by most Indians to be a gift from God because of its fragrance which lasts for years.
Contrast to the present rapid developments in information and technology, Indian wooden furniture still maintains its traditional way of using simple tools and processes in its production. Because of this, there is still much ethnic flavour to be found in the furniture. And also due to the way the furniture is made, Indian wooden furniture is the symbol of durability and elegance.
The availability of raw material and regional variations have long influenced furniture making in India. Wooden furniture has always been known for its durability, elegance and design, which lends an aristocratic look to a particular room, be it an office or a home. The reason why Indian furniture has been regarded as prized possession is its ethnic flavour.
In some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat colourful painting of furniture is quite common. Traditional designs and motifs are painted in colours, which are again traditional. The items that are generally available in this range are small chairs and tables, bajots and chowkis, stools with string seats, boxes, cabinets, mirror/picture frames, doors and windows.
In Rajasthan, the furniture that comes from Shekhawati holds its unique importance in the market. This furniture is made from local timbers like sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), mango (Mangifera indica), and babool or kikar (Acacia nilotica).
You will also find several pieces of Indian furniture that have been transformed into something else. As an example, window grills and doors have now been turned into coffee tables and cupboards.Although India is known for many fine things, it stands at the top of the list when it comes to furniture. Remember, domestic furniture as it is known in Europe today was not traditional in India prior to the 16th century. It was soon discovered that while the Indians were not good or accurate at copying, they were highly skilled.
Disclaimer:
Courtesy:www.laxmiexport.com
Comments
Post a Comment