Wooden Lacquerware from Varanasi is a centuries-old craft cherished for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and smooth lacquered finish. This traditional handicraft involves the careful hand-turning of softwood—typically eucalyptus or kadam—into various items such as toys, utensils, and decorative pieces on a lathe. Skilled artisans then apply layers of natural lacquer and create detailed patterns using hand-held tools and natural dyes, preserving a rich artistic heritage.Wood Cube.
Traditional Motifs of Wooden Lacquerware
The traditional motifs of this craft often depict floral designs, animals, birds, and geometric patterns. Bright colors like red, yellow, green, and black are used to give these pieces their eye-catching appeal. These vivid natural dyes enhance the beauty of every cube, making each piece unique and vibrant. This combination of colors and motifs reflects the cultural legacy of the region.
The wood craft is sustainable and eco-friendly, relying on locally sourced timber and non-toxic materials. Artisans maintain these longstanding traditions while ensuring the environment is respected and protected. The use of natural wood paired with lacquer contributes to the charm and long life of these artistic objects.
Wood Cube Craftsmanship and Its Eco-friendly Essence
In 2014, the Wood Cube craft received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 195), which highlights its authenticity and regional significance. This tag safeguards this precious craft from imitation, promoting the original handiwork found in Varanasi. The GI status emphasizes the value of these products for collectors and cultural enthusiasts.
This artisanal craft supports hundreds of families in Varanasi, especially in the areas of Ramnagar and surrounding villages. The passing of traditional skills from one generation to the next sustains not only the craft but also boosts the local economy. This empowerment helps many artisan communities continue their craft with pride.
Artistic Features and Utility of the Cube
The crafted cube serves multiple purposes, from elegant home décor to traditional wooden toys. Collectors and enthusiasts prize these pieces for their beauty, utility, and cultural value. Each cube carries the artisan’s dedication and the rich heritage embedded in every carved and lacquered surface. This makes it a treasured object for many households.
Besides being decorative, these cubes make excellent gifts because of their handcrafted nature and timeless appeal. They fit seamlessly in living rooms, offices, shelves, and pooja spaces. Their minimalistic yet artistic style adds a unique touch to both modern and traditional interiors, enhancing any space.
Materials and Techniques Used in Cube Creation
- Wood Selection: The Cube is crafted from softwoods like eucalyptus or kadam. These woods are valued for their ease of turning on a lathe, durability, and smooth texture, which ensure a quality finish.
- Hand-turning: Skilled artisans turn the wood manually on a lathe, shaping it into a perfect cube or other decorative forms. This traditional technique requires great precision and expertise.
- Lacquering: Multiple layers of natural lacquer are then applied to the wood surface. This creates a glossy protection that enhances both beauty and longevity of the cube.
- Hand-painted Patterns: Using fine tools and natural dyes, artisans paint detailed decorative motifs such as animals, flowers, and geometric designs by hand. Each piece is unique with slight variations due to the handmade method.
This careful process guarantees that each piece is one of a kind. The slight differences in pattern and color add to the charm and collectible value of every cube, making it a special object to own or gift.
Legacy and Heritage Behind the Cube
The Cube craft is deeply rooted in the cultural history of Varanasi. It is more than a decorative item—this craft represents centuries of skilled workmanship passed through generations. Each cube tells a story of tradition, skill, and dedication, making it a symbol of the region's rich artisan heritage.
Supporting the Wood Cube means preserving a valuable cultural legacy while providing livelihoods for numerous artisan families. By purchasing this handcrafted product, buyers encourage the continuation of traditional skills and promote sustainable, eco-friendly art practices.
Whether you are searching for a decorative accent or a meaningful gift, the Wood Cube offers a perfect blend of beauty, tradition, and functionality. It stands as a proud example of India’s rich heritage in woodworking and lacquerware, connecting past craftsmanship with contemporary appreciation.
| Art Work | Wooden Lacquerware |
| Period of Practice | 15 th Centuary |
| Artist Name | |
| Colour | white and green |
| Dimensions (H * W * L) | 1.1 in1.1 in1.1 in |
| Decoration Material | |
| Theme | |
| Age Group | |
| Shape | |
| Material | |
| Recommended Age Group | |
| Art Work Authenticity | |
| Features | |
| Frame Style | |
| Painting Medium | |
| GI Tagged Info | Application No. 195 |
| Mounting Hardware | |
| Country Of Origin | India |
| Region | Varanasi , Uttarpradesh |
| Weight | 55 g |
| Volume |
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 7 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
Shipping
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.
All our handicrafts are individually handmade by skilled artisans, making each piece unique. Due to the natural variations in raw materials and the handcrafting process, slight differences in colour, texture, and finish may occur compared to product images. These variations are a hallmark of authentic craftsmanship and add to the charm and individuality of every item.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our handcrafted products
-
Materials vary by product and may include:
- Wood
- Marble
- Brass
- Clay
- Textiles
- Natural fibers
- Acrylic or Natural colors
Each product description includes detailed material information.
-
Shipping typically takes 5-7 business days within India. International orders may take 10-15 business days depending on the destination.
-
Yes, we offer customization on select products. Please contact us with your requirements and we'll work with our artisans to create something unique for you.
-
We accept returns within 5 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition. Please note that customized items cannot be returned.
-
Each product comes with specific care instructions. Generally, we recommend gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
