Title : Figure of a Wooden Surahi
Accession No : 92/7811
"The figure showcases a Surahi which is made of wood. It has an elongated and a slightly flared neck. The neck is covered with a lid which has a conical handle with a bud-shaped top. The body of the Surahi is globular in shape and which rests on a raised circular pedestal. The circular body has a double-ringed funnel which has the neck attached to it. The Surahi has a black coloured base and a lacquered surface and it is decorated with intricate floral and creeper motifs which are yellow and red in colour. The container may be used to store water or other liquid items. "
Gallery
Provenance
- StatePunjab
Condition
- ConditionGood
- Action NoteCNR
Dimensions
- Measurement (CMS)24.5 x 10.2
Significance
- Socio economicIndia has a long history of artistic wood carving. Though traditionally wood has been used for making furniture, toys, ploughs, among others, India has seen wood carving since yore. Emperor Ashoka's palace at Pataliputra was made in wood, and the grand temple at Bodh Gaya as well.
- ArtisticThe craft of wood carving covers a wide variety of subjects. Most people are interested in Hindu deities. The artwork is intricate in nature and typically depicts scenes and figures from Hindu mythology. Additionally, India is full with ornamental plaques, wooden toys, panels, doors and doorways, screens, and intricate furniture with floral designs, inlay work, lacquered wood, jaali work, animal and bird figures. Additionally carved into the furniture are tiger legs, elephant heads, and legendary creatures.
Description
- Description"The figure showcases a Surahi which is made of wood. It has an elongated and a slightly flared neck. The neck is covered with a lid which has a conical handle with a bud-shaped top. The body of the Surahi is globular in shape and which rests on a raised circular pedestal. The circular body has a double-ringed funnel which has the neck attached to it. The Surahi has a black coloured base and a lacquered surface and it is decorated with intricate floral and creeper motifs which are yellow and red in colour. The container may be used to store water or other liquid items. "
- Inscription/Markings No
- Reference"Chattopadhaya, Kamaladevi. Handicrafts of India. New Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Research, 1975. Michell, George. Ed. Living Wood: Sculptural Traditions of Southern India. Mumbai: Marg Publications, 1992 O.C. Handa, Madhu Jain. Wood Handicraft. New Delhi: M.L Gidwani, Indus Publishing Company, 2000."
- KeywordHandicraft, Artware, Kitchenware, Utility, Utensil, Surahi, Artistic, Decorative