Walnut wood carving is a delicate and ornamental craft that holds a special place in Kashmir’s rich artisanal heritage. This intricate craftsmanship thrives in the region due to the abundant availability of walnut trees, found at elevations between 5,500 and 7,500 feet above sea level. The unique properties of walnut wood make it ideal for detailed carving, thanks to its hardness, durability, and fine grain that allow artisans to create intricate designs.
The Craft of Walnut Wood Carving
Kashmir is one of the few places in the world where walnut trees, known locally as ‘Doon Kul’, are found in abundance. The wood used for carving is sourced from these trees, but only after they reach maturity, which can take up to 300 years. The material is highly valued, with the wood from the root being the most prized for its dark colour and pronounced grain, while the lighter wood from the trunk and branches is also used, albeit less frequently.
Once the trees are felled, the wooden planks are stacked and left to season for up to four years. This process ensures that the wood dries slowly and evenly, preventing cracks and preserving its natural beauty. The planks are stored in shaded areas, with gaps between them to allow airflow, aiding the seasoning process.
Master Carvers at Work
The walnut wood carving process begins with the naqqash, or master carver, sketching the design onto the wood. Using chisels and wooden mallets, they carefully carve away the excess material, leaving behind intricate patterns in relief. The craftsmanship involved is both laborious and highly skilled, producing furniture and smaller decorative pieces that are a testament to the artisans’ expertise.
Styles of Walnut Wood Carving
Kashmiri walnut wood carving is distinguished by five main styles, each showcasing unique techniques and artistry. Undercut carving (Khokerdar) is one of the most elaborate styles, involving multiple layers, sometimes as many as seven, to create a three-dimensional effect. This style often features intricate natural scenes such as dense forests with interwoven flora, birds in flight, and animals like rabbits nestled among bushes. The complexity of these designs gives them a sense of depth and realism.
Open or Lattice Work (Jalidahr) focuses on see-through patterns, where artisans create delicate jali work that mimic lattice designs. This style is popular for its decorative elegance, with motifs often inspired by Chinar leaves or Mughal architecture. Another impressive form is Deep Carving (Vaboraveth), also referred to as raised work. This style involves carving designs deeply into the wood, sometimes up to five inches, with intricate motifs such as dragons or lotus flowers appearing in bold relief
For a more subtle approach, Semi Carving (Padri) is often used. This style is typically reserved for borders and features thinner panels with central motifs, offering a refined touch to the woodwork. Finally, Shallow Carving (Sadikaam)involves lightly etched designs that follow pencil-drawn lines to create a low-relief effect. Though less intricate than the deeper carvings, shallow carving offers a delicate and understated beauty.
These diverse styles showcase the range and skill of Kashmiri artisans, each method adding its own texture and narrative to the final piece.
Tools and Techniques
Traditional tools, such as different types of chisels (wathlavun), planers (randha), and measuring tools like the wooden scale (khat chhal) and L-angle (khari hat), are used by Kashmiri artisans to achieve precision in their work.
The motifs commonly found on Kashmiri walnut wood products are inspired by nature, drawing from elements like the Chinar and vine leaves, as well as flowers such as the lotus and rose. One of the most distinctive forms of this art is **Khatam-band**, which features geometric patterns carved meticulously into the wood, sometimes covering the entire surface.
The Natural Sheen of Walnut Wood
One of the remarkable qualities of walnut wood is its natural sheen, which comes to life when the wood is polished with wax or lacquer. This inherent lustre enhances the beauty of the intricate carvings, adding depth and richness to the final product.
A Craft Steeped in Tradition
Walnut wood carving remains a cornerstone of Kashmiri craftsmanship, representing the region’s cultural identity and artisanal skill. The dedication and precision of Kashmiri artisans ensure that each piece is not just a decorative item but a work of art, often taking anywhere from two days to six months to complete, depending on the intricacy of the design.
This time-honoured craft is a reflection of the delicate balance between tradition and creativity, keeping alive the artistic legacy of Kashmir while producing stunning pieces that continue to captivate people around the world.
