Carved in style

SAHARANPUR WOOD carving, which dates back to Moghul times, embellishes sheesham wood with a profusion of flowers and leaves, delicate jaali work, arabesques and, more recently, brass inlay work. Till recent times it played second fiddle to Kashmir's famed walnut wood carving.

However, new design inputs, delicate carvings, product development and the dazzle of brass and copper inlay work has put Saharanpur carved furniture and artefacts right back on the quality crafts map. Today there is an increasing demand for inlaid and carved Saharanpur furniture. An exhibition of carved Saharanpur furniture, currently on at Vimonisha Art Gallery, presents a wide range of items. Most eye-catching are the delicately brass inlaid and carved sideboards, peg tables, corner tables what-nots and screens. The brass inlay is beautifully executed and reminiscent of the floral borders in Moghul and Rajasthani miniatures.

A few of the sideboards and half cupboards have bold brass outlay work, with the copper and brass floral motifs brought out in bold relief. This, combined with delicately crafted inlay work and a profusion of `jaali' work, gives the furniture a stunning look. Also available are well crafted Saharanpur carved screens, coffee tables and sofa sets. Saharanpur craftspersons have also branched into carved European style sofa sets and beds. Copied from Italian moulded furniture styles, these items have a heavy look and need to be refined.

A unique feature is the presence of the traditional Muslim craftspersons from Saharanpur demonstrating their craft. The exhibition concludes today at Vimonisha, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Off Nungambakkam High Road.

PUSHPA CHARI

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Section  : Features
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