Artisan Craftsmanship of Wooden Tray – Wooden Lacquerware of Varanasi
Wooden Lacquerware of Varanasi is a centuries-old craft celebrated for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Each wooden tray reflects a smooth lacquered finish that highlights the artisan’s skill. This unique handicraft involves hand-turning softwood—typically eucalyptus or kadam—into various objects including toys, utensils, and exquisite decorative pieces. Skilled artisans apply multiple layers of natural lacquer, followed by detailed patterns created using hand-held tools and natural dyes.
Traditional Motifs and Color Palette
The traditional motifs often found on these wooden trays include floral designs, animals, birds, and geometric patterns. The vibrant colors used in the craft include bright red, yellow, green, and black. These colors enhance the visual appeal and give each tray a distinctive look. Beyond aesthetics, this craft values eco-friendly and sustainable practices, utilizing wood sourced locally and non-toxic materials in the process.
Why Choose a Wooden Tray from Varanasi Lacquerware?
The wooden tray collection from Varanasi seamlessly blends utility and cultural heritage. These trays are ideal for serving tea, coffee, or snacks, providing both elegance and function. Each piece acts as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of craft in the region. Owning one means supporting hundreds of artisan families who rely on this craft for their livelihood.
The Crafting Process of Wooden Tray
The crafting process begins with selecting quality softwood such as eucalyptus or kadam. The wood is then hand-turned on a lathe to form the desired shape for the tray or other items. After shaping, artisans apply natural lacquer in several layers, ensuring durability and a shine that lasts. Once the lacquer dries, detailed patterns are hand-painted, making each tray truly unique.
Mechanical Precision and Artistic Detailing in Tray
The trays exhibit a perfect balance between mechanical precision and artistic detailing. The use of lathe work guarantees smooth, symmetrical edges. Hand-painting with natural dyes enriches each tray with traditional motifs like birds and florals. This meticulous detailing adds character to the simple form of the tray, enhancing its use as both a functional and decorative piece.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Features
This craft stands out for its emphasis on sustainability. The wood used in making these trays comes from local sources, minimizing environmental impact. Non-toxic paints and natural lacquer ensure the safety of the products, especially when used as a tray for coffee, tea, or snacks. Choosing a tray supports eco-conscious living while enjoying beautiful handcrafted art.
Recognition and Cultural Significance
The wooden lacquerware of Varanasi, including these beautifully crafted trays, earned recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 195) in 2014. This prestigious tag acknowledges the uniqueness and heritage of the craft. It also protects the artisans’ work and helps preserve the cultural legacy of the region. The tag ensures the continued support for artisans in areas such as Ramnagar and surrounding villages.
Utility and Decorative Appeal
The tray’s design is both practical and artistic. It functions perfectly as a tray for coffee or snacks during social gatherings. Beyond serving purposes, these trays double as home décor pieces, adding a touch of traditional art to modern interiors. They are ideal gifts for those who appreciate craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Summary of Wooden Tray Benefits
- Handcrafted and hand-painted by expert artisans
- Made using natural wood and eco-friendly, food-safe materials
- Distinctive traditional designs with vibrant color schemes
- Durable lacquer finish for longevity and shine
- Multi-functional use as serving trays or decor
Whether you seek an elegant tray for serving or a decorative piece for your home, Varanasi’s lacquerware offers beauty and tradition in every product. By choosing this tray, you celebrate a craft that has thrived for centuries and support artisan families dedicated to preserving this exquisite heritage.
| Art Work | Wooden Lacquerware |
| Period of Practice | 15 th Centuary |
| Artist Name | |
| Colour | Red and Green, Pink, Yellow and Green, Blue, Orange, Seaform Green, and Gray |
| Dimensions (H * W * L) | |
| Decoration Material | Wood |
| Theme | Ethnic and Art |
| Age Group | |
| Shape | |
| Material | |
| Recommended Age Group | |
| Art Work Authenticity | Original |
| Features | |
| Frame Style | |
| Painting Medium | |
| GI Tagged Info | Application No. 195 |
| Mounting Hardware | |
| Country Of Origin | India |
| Region | Varanasi , Uttarpradesh |
| Weight | |
| 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.
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