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Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi’s Wooden Lacquerware & Toys: A Symphony of Wood and Creativity

Colorful Elegance in Eco- Friendly Crafts

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Embracing Art in Wood

Located on the left bank of the Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. A center of religious, educational and artistic activities, it is considered as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. With miles of ‘ghats’ (river front steps) for religious bathing, an array of shrines, temples and palaces the city is a major tourist attraction for people all over the world. The city is known for its various arts and crafts like music, dance, silks, brocades, and wooden lacquerware and toys. The Wooden Lacquerware & Toys is an ancient craft of Varanasi that plays a pivotal role in the lives of the artisans. Crafted with care and precision, these wooden creations are both eco- friendly and useful additions to any household.

From Timber to Art

Wooden lacquerware refers to wooden items coated with lacquer; a type of resin derived from the sap of trees. The lacquer helps protect the wood and also adds shine to it. The Wooden Lacquerware & Toys is an ancient craft of Varanasi that involves making wooden boxes, trays, utensils and toys coated with lacquer to add beauty and durability.

The Lacquerware Toys are made using either Sal or Sheesham wood. One of the characteristic features of these toys is that they are made without any joints. Attractive and safe play things for children, these lacquerware toys are bright and colorful and have a ritual significance in the lives of the artisans. Every time a child is born, a new lathe is added to the family possessions.

The process of making these wooden toys involves first cutting pieces of wood from logs. Each piece is heated slowly to remove any moisture present in it; a time consuming but an important step. Each piece is then sanded to smoothen the surface. The wood is either hand carved or shaped using lathe. As the lathe turns, the wood remains in the same position and slowly is shaped by the operation of the lathe. Once shaped, the toy is smoothened using a file and then sent for painting. Several coats of paints are applied to the toy and the final product is then finished using a clear or colored lacquer. Kashmiri Ganj and Khojwa are the major centres of production of this craft.

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A Traditional Craft

Wooden Lacquerware & Toy making in Varanasi has a long history dating back several centuries. Generations of artisans have practiced the craft and honed their skills before passing it down to the next. The tradition of wood craftsmanship has deep roots in the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. Varanasi offers visitors a glimpse into this ancient tradition through its wide variety of products. Eco- friendly and safe, these wooden articles come in various shapes and sizes. From intricately carved animals, figurines and vibrant dolls, to wooden boxes, bowls coasters, flower vase, picture frames, and jewelry boxes, visitors will be spoilt for choice. Tourists can visit the local workshops and witness artisans transform simple pieces of wood into delightful shapes and figures.

Carving Stories in Wood

The wooden lacquerware and toys make for excellent gifts and souvenirs. Environment and pocket friendly, these colourful wooden pieces are a reminder of Varanasi’s vibrant culture and excellent craftsmanship of the local artisans. An integral part of Varanasi’s cultural legacy, this craft needs to be preserved. Each piece is a story of the city’s rich artistic legacy. A visit to the city would be incomplete without purchasing a piece or two of these wooden creations.