Wood inlay, or marquetry, is a distinguished craft from Karnataka, India, involving the embellishment of rosewood surfaces by embedding materials like ivory, bone, plastic, or differently colored woods. This art form is predominantly practiced in Mysore and Bangalore, with its origins linked to Persia. ​ The craft flourished under the patronage of the Mysore royals during the seventeenth century, with exquisite marquetry adorning the interiors of the Mysore Palace, especially evident in the intricate door and window panels. Today, common products featuring inlay work encompass plates, boxes, bowls, cigarette cases, and animal figures, particularly elephants, adorned with floral and geometric patterns, landscapes, pastoral scenes, processions, and depictions from epics. ​ The enduring legacy of wood inlay in Karnataka stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and the artisans’ dedication to preserving and evolving this intricate art form. Due to its historical and cultural significance, Mysore Rosewood Inlay was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India in 2005, recognizing it as a heritage craft unique to the region. Similarly, Tarakashi of Rajasthan, the art of engraving wire on wood, and the artistic grandeur of sheesham revealed by the craftsmanship of artisans in Saharanpur are elaborated.

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Artistry in Rosewood: The Craft of Inlay, Handicrafts, and Furniture

  • A. N. Arunkumar,
  • Leonard J. Mills

摘要

Wood inlay, or marquetry, is a distinguished craft from Karnataka, India, involving the embellishment of rosewood surfaces by embedding materials like ivory, bone, plastic, or differently colored woods. This art form is predominantly practiced in Mysore and Bangalore, with its origins linked to Persia. ​ The craft flourished under the patronage of the Mysore royals during the seventeenth century, with exquisite marquetry adorning the interiors of the Mysore Palace, especially evident in the intricate door and window panels. Today, common products featuring inlay work encompass plates, boxes, bowls, cigarette cases, and animal figures, particularly elephants, adorned with floral and geometric patterns, landscapes, pastoral scenes, processions, and depictions from epics. ​ The enduring legacy of wood inlay in Karnataka stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and the artisans’ dedication to preserving and evolving this intricate art form. Due to its historical and cultural significance, Mysore Rosewood Inlay was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India in 2005, recognizing it as a heritage craft unique to the region. Similarly, Tarakashi of Rajasthan, the art of engraving wire on wood, and the artistic grandeur of sheesham revealed by the craftsmanship of artisans in Saharanpur are elaborated.