Wood Block Carving

Wood block carving – a craft as old as royalty 

No other craft form can probably match wood block carving’s continuing legacy of characterising elegance and grace. From adorning architecture and décor of royal palaces to making their way on to fabrics via block printing, the craft form has truly left its mark throughout history. In contemporary times, wooden candle stands and t-light holders chiselled out of pure sheesham (Indian rosewood) are among the most popular representation of the craft. While new block carving ideas have emerged over the years, they designs are still heavily influenced by their royal history from where they have emerged. 

Carving process 

After sourcing the wood, it is cut into pieces, left to dry in the sun and finally stored in a place devoid of moisture. A machine is used to shape the small blocks out from larger pieces of wood. Thereafter, elaborate carvings with minute details are chiselled to perfection by skilled craftsmen, using only traditional hand tools. At times, a single piece can take over two days to complete, depending on the carving.  

Present and future of wood block carving 

Even though wood carving as a craft remains popular among consumers, the number of artisans practicing the craft by hand is on the decline. Machine made alternatives and the inability to easily distinguish them from handmade ones is a major challenge faced by the artisans. Generational artisans with the support of art and craft patrons are making efforts to highlight the skill and perseverance required to hand carve these beautiful products with the hope that it will lead to greater appreciation of their work and help the craft and craftsmen thrive in the future.