Story Of Kashmiri Walnut Wood Carving

Priyanka Rout

Story Of Kashmiri Walnut Wood Carving

Emerging from the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, the fine art of walnut wood carving can be identified through its central motif. This technique also acts as an elaborate craft approach, allowing the pattern of the wood to be exhibited to a greater level while also showcasing the carver's ability.

When art and artist flaunt their beauty and talent; Image Source: Deccan Herald

The carvings are made either on the sides of the wooden plank, or the entire surface is covered with etchings. Beautiful pieces of artwork are created with finely carved flower designs or geometrical themes. Depending on the pattern's complexity, a single piece might take anywhere between two days to six months to complete.

Kashmiri wood carving is in high demand both inside and outside the state. Its market has grown both locally and globally over the years. But nowadays, the artisans are struggling to keep this art alive. Most of the products made by these craftsmen are not fetching enough profit, due to which this noble profession might become extinct in the next few years.

To save their heritage, the artists of Kashmir are collaborating with the artists of Saharanpur. Located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, Saharanpur is famous for wood carving products. Products between these two places are exchanged, and tourists buy Kashmiri wooden pieces from Saharanpur and Saharanpur wooden carvings from the markets of Kashmir.

Step into the beautiful land of Kashmir. You'll find several monuments like the shrine of Noor-ud-din-Wali at Charar-e-Sharif, the shrine of Nund Rishi, and the famous Naqshbandi mosque that stands proudly to display the intricate walnut wood carvings of Kashmiri artists. Over the years, experienced Kashmiri artisans have created a plethora of exquisite and gorgeous wood-carved works of art. It has progressed from exquisite designs to a wide range of everyday items.

The art of wood carving in Jammu and Kashmir began a few centuries ago. However, certain artisans said that this form of wood carving was started by a Muslim saint named Mir Syed Ali Hamdani six hundred and fifty years ago. The story goes like this: When Syed arrived in Kashmir, he brought several talented artisans, some of whom also belonged to Iran. They not only taught the Kashmiris principles of Islam but also taught them the nuances of wood carving.

As the art was introduced, people began learning more about such carving and woodwork that would later give Kashmir a new identity in the wood carving industry. As days went by, this art form became quite popular throughout the state, and a famous artisan named Zain-ul Abedin began contributing to this field extensively. He constantly worked to develop woodwork in Kashmir and led the path to Kashmiri Walnut Wood Carving supremacy. This intricate form of carving has now become popular all over the world.

People from within and outside the territories of India are demanding this beautiful art to decorate their homes and feel the beauty of Kashmir. Not only furniture and other decorative pieces were made of wood; Zain-ul Abedin made palaces entirely from wood. But one unique characteristic of these palaces was that the wooden designs and parts were not connected through hinges, nails, or glue. Instead, other innovative techniques were employed to make these ornate and exquisite palaces.

The elaborate and spectacular wooden palaces of Kashmir's ancient monarchs demonstrate the region's old heritage of wood crafting. Now let's explore this special form of carving that brings the beauty and essence of Kashmir with it. According to the statistics, Kashmir is home to the finest quality walnut wood in the entire world. And most importantly, it is the only state in the country producing walnut.

The quality of walnut wood differs from one part to another, even if it is extracted from one single tree. If the wood is extracted from the roots of the walnut tree, then it is almost black and is deemed the most expensive form of walnut wood. Acquiring walnut wood is difficult as the trees are 5500-7500 feet above sea level.

The wood is tough and long-lasting, with a tight grain and uniform texture that allows for precise and intricate work. It also creates aesthetically appealing effects with simple polished surfaces. But how are these pieces of walnut wood carved to bring out beautiful patterns that later become part of your favourite furniture? No single technique can be employed to carve the walnut wood.

The deep carving technique is one of the most expensive and intricate forms of wood carving. The best and most skilled artisans of Kashmir use this technique to create wonders from wooden pieces. The most popular motifs in this carving are dragons, lotuses, and other intricate patterns like roses, iris, pears, grapes, chinar leaves, and many more.

Most of these patterns are derived from Kani and other famous embroidered shawls of Kashmir. Chinar motifs are imprinted onto the wood in shallow carvings of latticework. Semi-carvings feature patterns etched along the rim of a narrow panel, often with a central theme. Wood carving can be done on various decorative pieces and utility furniture, like table lamps, beds, dining tables, wardrobes, wooden decorative cabinets, jewellery boxes, and other products.

The wood used in this carving is mainly obtained from the local walnut trees called 'Doon Kul.' The tree can be cut only after it matures, and this period can extend up to three hundred years. Once again, there are four walnut trees: Vont Dun or Wantu; Dunu; Kakazi or Burzol; and Khanak.

After the wooden planks from these trees are obtained, they are numbered and piled upon one another in separate groups. This entire process is carried out in a shady area. The holes between the plank layers let air travel through, which aids in the conditioning. The master carver or naqqash first carves the basic pattern on the wooden plank and then eliminates the unwanted parts with a small chisel. This further helps the design to emerge lustrously out of the wooden piece.

Different types of tools are used to carve designs on wooden pieces like khat chhal or wooden scale, wathlavun or chisel, khari hat or perpendicular lines, randha or planer, and phet gaz or measuring tape. Khatam-band, a Kashmiri hallmark of wood carving, features mathematical designs elegantly carved on the wood.