CRAFTING
WOODEN WONDERS
We take this esteemed opportunity to express our gratitude towards all those who have helped us in making this venture a success. We would like to thank the Ministry of Textiles and National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai to put forth this endeavor. We would also like to thank Prof. Susmita Das and guest faculty Ms. Anusha Gawade, for their constant motivational support and guidance. This study is a token of appreciation on our behalf to all the artisans who took their precious time out to aid our preliminary study. Lastly, a special vote of thanks to our parents and family for helping us in all walks of our lives.
Idea Behind The Book This book on ‘Wooden Lacquer Toys of Sawantwadi has been made fluid keeping the design scheme and thoughts in scous used forfollowing a number of hard mind: and potentially shiny finishes applied to materials such as wood. Main theme Blend of contemporary graphic design characteristics like assymetrical grids and dynamic placement of images paired with sketchy, human touch with illustrations. Colour Scheme: White, Red, Woodish Brown, Yellow, 90% Black Concept: Red being the most prominent color in toys, also represents simplicity, purity and ritualistic candor. Woodish brown - Toys are made from wood - hence chosen Yellow - Yellow chosen due to its Brightness and Cheer is another prominent colour in the toys. Use of gradients - Various Sawantwadi toys have gradients, that element is taken and represented in the book, as well. Fonts - Neutra and Clarendon Neutra - Geometric sans-serif typeface, is rigid and geometric just like the toys. Clarendon - This slab-serif font has been chosen because it is rigid and stiff.
Crafts live continuously and their basic meanings remain unchanged in all tough times of interruption, diminishment and neglect. They are not destroyable since they are a substance of faith.
4
06
Contents
Introduction
14
Location
18
People & Attire
CON 25
Cuisine
28
Royal Family
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
33
Heritage Destinations
Contents
37
Market Scenario
40
Gallery
5
44
Product Range
TENTS 50
About Artisans
54
Conclusion
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
56
Glossary
6
Introduction
Introduction Sawantwadi City is a renowned hub of culture, craft and art. Being one of the pioneers of wooden lacquer toy manufacturing and Ganjifa card making in India, it has carved a niche for itself. The city has evolved over many years and has developed itself in umpteen ways. A trip to Sawantwadi to understand cultural and historical significance of Wooden Lacquer Toys thereby becomes an act of joy.
Wooden chess keys skillfully painted and executed with many minor decorative features
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Introduction
Sawantwadi is a renowned hub of culture, craft and art.
7
Master craftsman of Sawantwadi showcasing his skills of detailed brushwork
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
8
Introduction
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Introduction
9
The city has evolved over the years and has developed itself in umpteen ways.
A statue in the heart of the city in memory of the late king CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
10
Intricate work displayed at one such corner of the royal palace’s darbar
Introduction
An array of unfinished wooden toys kept aside for painting
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Introduction
A magnificent royal chandelier on the ceiling of the palace of Sawantwadi
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
11
12
Introduction
Containers used for painting the beautiful pathi
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Introduction
13
Varnishing a horde of wooden kitchen containers
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
14
Location
Location Surrounded by the Western Ghats to its East and the Arabian Sea to its West, it experiences moderate to gusty winds during the day and gentle winds at night. There are plains to undulating lands, with several valleys, hills and flat areas; Sawantwadi has a tropical climate.
Early morning silence of the streets of Sawanwadi.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Location
Peeping at Rajbara through dense green trees and bushes jammed together.
15
Standing peacefully amidst the green, a well-structured lake house.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
16
Location
Map of Sawantwadi
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Location The lush coconut trees of Sawantwadi city blowing in light breeze.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
17
18
People & Attire
People & Attire
Sawantwadi has a rich tradition of clothing. People have now infused cultural and comfortable clothing to carry out their daily activities. Men now prefer wearing simple shirts and pants. On special occasions they are spotted wearing dhotis, kurtas and pyjamas. Women initially dressed themselves in ‘Nauvari’ sarees which has now transformed into something much simpler like the cotton and synthetic sarees which is a better alternative for everyday use. ‘Nauvari’ sarees are now only worn occasionally for auspicious celebrations. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
People & Attire
Khaki coloured basic pants and shirts are preferred by the men
There is no time to get bored in a place like Sawantwadi.
The hustle and bustle in the fruit and vegetable markets of Sawantwadi
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
19
20
People & Attire
Handmade paint brushes made out of goat hair by the artisans to paint wooden toys
Wooden Pangara logs kept out for seasoning and weathering before being carved out
Sleek planks of Mango wood, cut to precision for the production of ‘paths’
Painted wooden toys kept out to dry, at their initial stage
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
MALVAN A cuisine of scrumptious fish curry, with bhakri and ‘sol khadi’ is a delicacy of the Malvan cuisine.
People & Attire
23
A spray painted bundle of joy; wooden kitchen set CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
24
Cuisine
Luscious prawns served with steamed rice and lemon
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Cuisine
25
(Left) Deep fried fish, main highlight of Malvani thali filled with spices
(Right) Mouth watering spicy Malvani food along with sour ‘Solkadhi’ is one of the main attractions of the town
Food made with love, bringing people together.
Cuisine The beauty does not only lie in the surroundings of Sawantwadi, but also in the food one would eat. As lip smacking and spicy it could get, one would find the best Konkani food with right blend flavour. The sea food and meat are piquant.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
26
Cuisine
Flavoured with homemade spices, Malvani Egg curry is a highlight of the cuisine
Complete view of the lip smacking Malvani thali
Cooked in spicy gravy, Malvani Chicken curry served on a platter CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Cuisine
Beautiful food and beautiful people are priceless.
The Konkan delicacy, ‘Solkadhi’, a traditional drink in Sawantwadi region
Mouth-watering Malvani fish curry with Amboli
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
27
28
Cuisine A view of symmetrically balanced architecture of the Royal Darbar, showing the royal heritage of Sawantwadi
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Cuisine
29
A place’s culture and heritage resides in the heart and in the soul of its people.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
30
Royal Family
Royal Family The royal family of Sawantwadi has a prenominal lineage which falls under the Bhonsle family name with the forefather being Mang Sawant . This royal family has made immense efforts to preserve and patronize the crafts of Sawantwadi . The king and queen have travelled around the world to promote the crafts of Sawantwadi through different exhibitions. They tried to maintain the long established essence of these crafts through the methods which eventually but gradually, created a greater market for these crafts.
Royal palace of Sawantwadi covered in a profusion of tall green trees under the blue sky. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Royal Family
31
A place’s culture and heritage resides in the soul of its people. Royal family’s legacy makes love for heritage linger in the souls of the people of Sawantwadi. Sawantwadi is the abode of tradition. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
32
Royal Family
Bright lane beside Moti Talao, guiding to the hotel
Carved wooden fruits being heated on a bhatti to curb the accumulation of moistureÂ
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Heritage Destinations
33
Heritage Destinations A truly magnificent piece of Indo-Sarsenic architecture, a behemoth palace; Sawantwadi Rajbara surrounded by popular markets like Ubha Bazaar, Raghunath Market stands tall as a tourist’s paradise. The ostentatious palace has been converted into an elaborate workshop-cum-museum to raise awareness amongst the people about Sawantwadi heritage. With Velaghar beach nearby, the beauty of Sawantwadi is awe-inspiring.
A busy ‘Ubha Bazaar’, with grocers serving scrumptious edibles to their customers
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
34
Heritage Destinations
Harmonious heritage is a humanised heritage. A powerful heritage inspires a powerful succession; similarly under the aegis of the Khem Sawants, the craft of making wooden lacquer toys flourished into a blooming legacy. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
REGAL The Khem Sawants of Sawantwadi boast of regal legacy.
Market Scenario
37
Market Scenario A first glance at Chitari Gully brings one to shops lined amidst a small lane of red tiled thatched roofs. Each of these shops, strive to keep the wooden lacquer toys tradition thriving with the same authenticity. From bangles to hooks to lamps, each of them are unique in their own way.
A world of wooden wonder at one of the red tiled shops at Chitari Gully CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
38
Market Scenario
A village to raise them, a toy to engage them.
Excerpts from a Malvan village life standing tall as one of the landmarks of Chitari Gully; the abode of its creators
Wooden ‘Damroo’ for festivities of Sawantwadi city displayed at a shop in Chitari Gully
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Impeccably carved toys kept at the entrance of a shop at Chitari Gully
Market Scenario
Wooden Lacquer Toys aiding in education for a frolicking learning experience
One of the numerous lanes selling toys at Sawantwadi’s busiest business hub, ‘Kolgaon’
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
39
A colourful array of wooden lacquer toys in one of the many shops of Chitari Gully
40
Gallery
Dexterity of master craftsmen at work in a boisterous morning workshop in Sawantwadi
Paint being intricately applied to precision as the wheel rolls around
An artisan using a drilling machine to hollow a wood piece
Stacked up finished wooden pieces waiting to be jointed into toys CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Gallery
41
‘Lambi’ being carefully applied to a carved wooden fruit to smoothen the surface Lac leaf being shaped prior to coating the product with paint
A lady worker giving finishing touches by applying lacquer to the paths
Primordial culture awakened through elegant and tasteful craftsmanship. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Painted wooden fruits kept out to dry, at their initial stage
42
Gallery
Skillfully crafted and painted parts of kitchen set left to dry
Colourful parts of kitchen set stacked up for the season CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Gallery
43
Varnished parts awaiting to be jointed into complete toys in the factories of the artisans and businessmen
Paint being intricately applied to precision as the wheel rolls around CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
44
Products Range
Products Range The array of products offered comprises a huge family of handcrafted wooden toys, with umpteen variation. Nature in its innate glory inspires the artisans to make these products. Starting from lamps, key chains, fruit plates to bullock carts, prams and villager figurines, their roots are widespread.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Products Range
A skilled master creating a million masterpieces, establishing an empire of unique and triumphant muster of an extraordinary product range.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
45
46
Products Range
Young souls walking forward capturing the positivity of this beautiful place CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
TOYS Colourful vegetables and fruits turned toys bring out the frolic in Sawantwadi.
Products Range
A skilled master; million masterpieces. The lacquerware portrays fine craftsmanship and a vivid spectrum of wooden products, laid out for the display of unquantifiable legacy in the markets of Sawantwadi. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
49
50
Artisans
An accomplished and skilled artisan at the factory in Kolgaon
An artisan carefully chiseling the toy
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Artisans
About The Artisans Away from the tumultuous city life, the local people are the harbingers of prosperity in Sawantwadi. Playing the role of a farmer, a labourer, a dealer, a parent and a virtuoso of crafts, the dexterous artisans toil to touch the hearts of customers with their creations, the way this craft has touched theirs.
The master doing what he does best
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
51
52
Artisans
Creatively hand crafted bullock cart CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
Artisans
53
Beautiful doll figurines skillfully crafted, showing the beautiful craft culture of Sawantwadi. CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
54
Conclusion
Going Forward Sawantwadi is a place thriving of opportunities. Its exemplary culture has so much to offer. In this modern fast track world, the need to recognise the importance of one’s cultural origin and its evolution has become imperative. With each and everyone’s best inputs these crafts will reach an inevitable success.
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS
CRAFT A town of heritage crafts; Sawantwadi.
Glossary
Glossary
57
Credits
Introduction
Heritage Destinations
Cuisine
Lacquer A highly viscous fluid used for a number of hard and potentially shiny finishes applied to materials such as wood.
Indo - Saracenic A British architectural style movement originated in the late 19th century. It involves elements from native IndoIslamic and Indian architecture merged with the Gothic revival and NeoClassical styles favoured in Victorian Britain.
https://bombayhowrahdiningcar.files.wordpress. com/2016/04/malvani-fish-with-amboli-21.jpg
Ganjifa An Indian card game associated with India and Persia believed to be originated in Persia. About the Craft Pangara It is a type of wood used to made wooden lacquer toys. Location Ghats Set of steps leading down to a river or lake. Cuisine Konkani Food mostly influenced by the traditions and culture of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Seafood like prawns, crabs and fish, coconut and local spices are some of the main ingredients used in their delicacies.
Rajbara It is the royal palace of Sawantwadi built by Khem Sawant bhonsle; the ruler of the region during 1755-1803 Market Scenario Gully Narrow lanes in market places and residential areas
https://i2.wp.com/dimpieekitchen.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/09/malvanichicken-0236_ edited.jpg?fit=4579%2C3053 https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1Pm62XuA8nQ/ maxresdefault.jpg https://thespicetress.files.wordpress. com/2015/06/img_4657.jpg https://www.archanaskitchen.com/images/ archanaskitchen/1-Author/nithya.anantham/ Malvani_Anda_Curry_Eggs_Cooked_in_Spicy_ Malvani_Masala.jpg https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=286424 https://bombayhowrahdiningcar. com/2016/04/05/a-coastal-delight/malvani-fishwith-amboli-2/ https://www.ixigo.com/local-street-foods-in-ofaurangabad-lp-1138419
CRAFTING WOODEN WONDERS