The Divine Child
This exquisite wooden panel depicts Bala Krishna, the endearing child form of Lord Krishna, indulging in one of his favorite pastimes: stealing and enjoying butter. The artwork showcases a playful and mischievous Krishna, his hand reaching into a pot brimming with freshly churned butter, a smear already adorning his cheek. The vibrant natural colors of the wood, combined with intricate inlay work, capture the essence of Krishna's innocent charm and divine energy. The detailing in his jewelry, the peacock feathers in his hair, and the folds of his clothing speak to the level of craftsmanship and devotion poured into creating this piece.Craftsmanship and Heritage
Crafted from wood and adorned with inlay work, this panel is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Mysore. The natural colors of the wood are carefully selected and arranged to bring the scene to life, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The inlay technique involves meticulously setting small pieces of contrasting materials – different types of wood – into the surface, resulting in a intricate and visually appealing design. The frame complements the artwork, enhancing the overall presentation and adding a touch of elegance. This artwork is not merely a depiction; it is a celebration of Indian artistry and spiritual heritage.A Glimpse into Krishna's Leelas
The image of Bala Krishna stealing butter is a beloved theme in Hindu mythology. It represents the divine made accessible, a god who enjoys the simple pleasures of life and interacts with his devotees in a relatable way. These tales, known as *leelas* or divine plays, emphasize Krishna's playful nature and his boundless love for his devotees. The story goes that young Krishna, with his friends, would sneak into the homes of the milkmaids (gopis) of Vrindavan, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly churned butter. His escapades, though mischievous, were always filled with love and laughter, endearing him to all. Displaying this panel is a way to bring the playful spirit of Krishna and the warmth of his divine presence into your home, invoking a sense of joy, protection, and spiritual connection.How Mysore Wooden Inlay Paintings Are Made ?
Wood inlay is a historically significant art form from the 18th century. It arrived in India through Srirangaptnam in Mysore from Persia but has become an inevitable part of the Indian heritage. Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyars/Wadiyars are credited with the growth of this 400-year-old art form in Mysore and its neighboring areas.
Wood inlay work is usually done on a Mysore rosewood base, and other woods are used, like mango, kadam, jackfruit, rubber, doodhi, etc. Pieces of wood are adorned with beautiful motifs and patterns made from various materials. From wall hangings and paintings to jewelry boxes and furniture, many items are made using the Mysore wood inlay technique.
An outline is etched on a piece of rosewood with a sharp tool. Then, the area inside the outline is hollowed out, and materials like lacquer, enamel, contrasting wood, and sometimes even gold and silver are placed inside it. A sandpaper is used to give a
smooth finish to the surface.
Process of Mysore Wood Inlay Work -
The first step in the process is selecting the base and the design to be carved onto it. Planks are cut out of Rosewood logs in many shapes like square, rectangular, oval, or even circular. The surface is smoothened, and the sides are evened out.
The second step is creating the designs for the inlay on paper. These designs are then traced on transparent paper and then transferred to the surface of the desired material, such as another type of wood, lacquer, plastic, etc.
After that, the design is traced onto the rosewood planks. Using a coping saw, the designs are cut, and the rough edges are smoothened using a smooth file. Once that is done, the wood inside the outline is scooped out, leaving groves in the plank.
After that, the design cutouts are fitted in the groves, and the surface is beaten with a hammer to ensure the designs stay firm and in place. In case of any gaps, they are filled using a mixture of glue, rosewood, and sawdust.
The final step in creating Mysore wood inlay products is cleaning and polishing the items with beeswax. A coating of lacquer is applied to give them a glossy touch.
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