Walnut Wood Carving

Walnut Wood Carving -In Kashmir

Firstly, this is one art form which has a fascinating visual appeal using just plain polished surfaces. Walnut wood carving is unique to the region of Kashmir as walnut trees or ‘Doon Kuls’ are found only in this part of the country. Jammu & Kashmir is known for its dense forests and has a rich tradition of wood carving . Walnuts are an essential in Kashmir & is grown in abundance at an altitude of 5000-7500 feet above sea level.It is hard & durable wood.Shahi Khan from the Sayyid dynasty is credited with inviting craftsmen from  from Central Asia & Arabia to train the locals in wood carving. He also introduced papier mache,calligraphy & embroidery in Kashmir.

Walnut wood  carving is  used in highly ornamental furniture & also utilitarian objects . The wood is used in ceiling panels, laticed panels  & to make tables, desks, cabinets, boxes & more. Previously house boats in Kashmir used walnut wood.

Flora & fauna are frequently used in these intricate carvings . Craftspeople take as long as six months to carve a large piece of walnut wood. It is the deft carving that lends itself to 3D images in layers. One can see flora & fauna in beautiful & polished finish.

Available at Delhi:- Kashmir Government Arts Emporium

Available at Kolkata:- Kashmir Gift House

For instance, for the purpose of carving, the raw material  is obtained from the root, trunk or branches of the tree. As the root is quite dark, this part of the wood is the most expensive . Further, it is not only considered strong but also best for wood carving.

 Walnut Wood Carving Styles

For instance, there are few walnut wood carving  styles that  are popular.

Undercut (Khokerdar): This type of carving has multi-layers and is helpful in 3-D depiction of various scenes.

Open or Lattice work (Jalidahr): It works in screens and makes use of beautiful see-through Jali work.

Deep carving (Vaboraveth): Also popular as raised work, this type of carving displays dragons or lotus motifs and other flora & fauna.

Semi carving (Padri): Here, thin panels are elegantly depicted along the rim of the surface.

Shallow carving (Sadikaam): For example, artisans focus on the scenes by chasing along the lines in pencil to lend them depth.

Cabinets and desks made of walnut wood are very popular in Kashmir.