Carvings

Carving in India has been experimented and perfected upon various materials like metals, stone, wood, ivory etc. Traditional Indian designs carved into these materials create the most wonderful pieces of artwork.

Kutch is famous for Deep Carving, where a design is carved on the surface of a metal, which has been moulded in to the desired shape and filled with wax. After softening it in fire, the wax is poured out and filled with fresh wax. The procedure is then repeated. Various items like perfume bottles, flower baskets, trays etc. are made this way.

Stone Carving too holds an important place. Ivory, one of the most exquisite of materials has the most intricate of designs carved on its surface. Kerala and Karnataka have a history in carving large works like palace doors, thrones, palanquins and chariots.

Horn Carved materials are used to make items like combs, which apparently is the most common. Traditional combs have gentle carvings on them. Small sized ornamental pins; play items like animal and bird figures, everyday use items like buttons, cigarette cases, little boxes, ashtrays, pen stands and lamps are caved out of horn.

Coconuts are one of the plentitudinous fruits, and lend itself to carving with ease. Thus, useful objects like bowls, vases, teapots etc. are made. Attractive show pieces too are carved out.

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