A Moment of Divine Guidance
Witness the pivotal moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra immortalized in this stunning wooden panel. The scene depicts Lord Krishna, the divine charioteer, imparting profound wisdom to Arjuna, the valiant warrior, on the eve of the epic Mahabharata war. The dialogue between them, famously known as the Bhagavad Gita, forms the essence of Hindu philosophy, exploring themes of duty, dharma, and the nature of reality. Every glance at this artwork serves as a potent reminder of this sacred discourse and its timeless relevance.
The panel is crafted with intricate detail, showcasing the artistry of skilled artisans. The three-dimensional effect brings the characters to life, capturing the intensity of the moment and the depth of their relationship. Lord Krishna, with his serene countenance and commanding presence, guides Arjuna towards his righteous path. The horses pulling their chariot, also are depicted very realistically with intricate detailing.
Mysore Inlay Artistry
This piece is a testament to the rich heritage of Mysore wooden inlay, a traditional art form that flourished under the patronage of the Mysore royal family. The technique involves meticulously embedding delicate pieces of contrasting materials, such as ivory, sandalwood, and rosewood, into a wooden base to create stunning patterns and designs. While ivory is no longer used, the tradition continues with alternative materials that emulate its beauty. Each piece is handcrafted, reflecting the artisan's skill and dedication to preserving this ancient craft. Owning this artwork is owning a part of cultural history, a legacy of artistic excellence passed down through generations.
This panel exemplifies the beauty of Mysore inlay with its fine detailing and the use of natural colors to highlight the different elements of the scene. The wood surface is polished to a smooth sheen, enhancing the natural grain and adding to the overall elegance of the artwork. Displaying this panel in your home will be a testament to your appreciation for fine art and your connection to Indian cultural heritage.
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.
