JALI ELEPHANT SET IN INDIA

The wood of choice ranges from sheesham to teak, rosewood, walnut & mango. Designs are first made on paper, and transferred onto the wood using ink. These are then carved using a variety of chisels. The article is finished by buffing in order to bring out the shine of the wood. This is usually done with the help of a lathe mechanism. Artistic woodwork began as a temple and palace craft, and flourished alongside architecture and sculpture. Depending on local availability, different woods were used for wood carving, and fashioned into religious, decorative and functional articles. Over time, various centers of wood carving emerged, each with its distinct style."