<p>However, no clear indications exist as to when walnut wood came to be used as a medium by the Kashmiri craftsmen. There are references to walnut wood panels in exhibitions held in London, in the early 20th century. According to most craftsmen, the tradition of walnut woodcarving in Kashmir was started by a few expert carvers of walnut wood, brought from Iran by King Barshah. <br /><br />Others have it that walnut woodcarving probably originated due to European influences and tastes. According to them, Europeans who came to Kashmir in search of pashmina shawls started using walnut wood for furniture and Kashmiris followed suit. The many motifs, attuned to European sensibilities rather than Mughal or Indian, lend credence to this fact. The chest of drawers, consoles, writing desks and wine cabinets reveal a distinct tilt towards European styles.<br /><br />Walnut wood is sturdy and lasts long. At the same time, it is soft enough to be worked on and carved into objects. Walnut wood has an inherent sheen, which comes into its own when polished with wax.<br /><br />The entire tree — branches, trunk and root — is used for carving. While each part of the tree has its unique feature, the size of the wood determines what is to be shaped from it. However, because of its sturdiness and limited availability, objects made from the root are the most expensive. <br /><br />The basic motifs appearing in walnut wood carvings are the Persian gulab, chinar leaf, lotus, vines, roses, etc. However, with changing customer tastes, dragons too have become a part of the craft language. The kidney-shaped table is a new concept as well, as are computer tables, less densely carved serving plates, bowls, etc. Though the artisans try to use traditional motifs only, they are open to customers’ suggestions too. <br />Walnut wood carving is also done on a large scale on the doors, walls and windows of traditional Kashmiri houses. Unfortunately, the number of craftspersons practising the art has dwindled over the years following political unrest in the Valley.</p>
<p>However, no clear indications exist as to when walnut wood came to be used as a medium by the Kashmiri craftsmen. There are references to walnut wood panels in exhibitions held in London, in the early 20th century. According to most craftsmen, the tradition of walnut woodcarving in Kashmir was started by a few expert carvers of walnut wood, brought from Iran by King Barshah. <br /><br />Others have it that walnut woodcarving probably originated due to European influences and tastes. According to them, Europeans who came to Kashmir in search of pashmina shawls started using walnut wood for furniture and Kashmiris followed suit. The many motifs, attuned to European sensibilities rather than Mughal or Indian, lend credence to this fact. The chest of drawers, consoles, writing desks and wine cabinets reveal a distinct tilt towards European styles.<br /><br />Walnut wood is sturdy and lasts long. At the same time, it is soft enough to be worked on and carved into objects. Walnut wood has an inherent sheen, which comes into its own when polished with wax.<br /><br />The entire tree — branches, trunk and root — is used for carving. While each part of the tree has its unique feature, the size of the wood determines what is to be shaped from it. However, because of its sturdiness and limited availability, objects made from the root are the most expensive. <br /><br />The basic motifs appearing in walnut wood carvings are the Persian gulab, chinar leaf, lotus, vines, roses, etc. However, with changing customer tastes, dragons too have become a part of the craft language. The kidney-shaped table is a new concept as well, as are computer tables, less densely carved serving plates, bowls, etc. Though the artisans try to use traditional motifs only, they are open to customers’ suggestions too. <br />Walnut wood carving is also done on a large scale on the doors, walls and windows of traditional Kashmiri houses. Unfortunately, the number of craftspersons practising the art has dwindled over the years following political unrest in the Valley.</p>
