Wooden Lacquerware of Varanasi is a centuries-old craft known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and smooth lacquered finish. Among the various traditional crafts, the.Wooden Panel Samudra Manthan holds a special place in both cultural and artistic heritage. This unique handicraft involves hand-turning softwood—typically eucalyptus or kadam—on a lathe to create toys, utensils, and decorative pieces. After shaping, skilled artisans apply multiple layers of natural lacquer before creating detailed patterns with hand-held tools and natural dyes. This process results in a finished product that is both elegant and durable with a distinctive look and feel.
Artistic Techniques Behind Wooden Panel Samudra Manthan
The Wooden Panel Samudra Manthan features traditional motifs that include floral designs, animals, birds, and geometric patterns. Bright colors such as red, yellow, green, and black are prominently used, adding to the panel’s eye-catching appeal. This ancient woodwork craft is distinguished by its fine detailing and exquisite artistry. Artisans only use eco-friendly, sustainable materials, including locally sourced wood and non-toxic natural lacquer. This makes the craft not only beautiful but environmentally responsible. Each piece is carefully hand-crafted, preserving the authenticity and cultural richness of Varanasi’s heritage.
The artistic process behind this wooden panel work is meticulous and requires several stages. First, the raw wood is selected for softness and workability, commonly eucalyptus or kadam wood. The wood is turned on a lathe to form precise shapes and curves essential for traditional designs. Once shaped, several coats of natural lacquer are applied by hand, using brushes made from natural materials.
Next, artisans use fine, hand-held tools to etch detailed patterns directly onto the lacquered surface. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals add vivid colors, creating a harmonious balance of texture and hue. This craftsmanship results in the timeless allure that characterizes the Wooden Panel Samudra Manthan panels, blending art and nature flawlessly.
Connection to Cultural Heritage and Thematic Significance
The Wooden Panel received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 195) in 2014, emphasizing its cultural importance and authenticity. This craft is a crucial part of Varanasi’s artistic legacy and supports hundreds of artisan families, especially from areas like Ramnagar and surrounding villages. These wood panels are not just decorative but represent the skilled craft passed down through generations. They capture the history and mythology unique to the region.
The themes depicted in the samudra panels often center on mythology, spirituality, and natural harmony. Many artworks illustrate stories based on the cosmic event of Ksheera Sagaram (Ocean of Milk) churning—an ancient mythological episode symbolizing the struggle between divine beings (devas) and demons (asuras). This story connects art to local tradition, making each Wooden Panel an emblem of Varanasi's pious and artistic culture.
The panels serve as a bridge between the past and the present, keeping alive stories told for centuries through intricate wooden artwork. By reflecting nature, mythology, and cultural symbols, these panels maintain relevance in modern homes without losing their traditional roots.
Utility and Modern Appeal of Samudra Manthan
Whether you seek elegant home décor or traditional wooden toys, Varanasi’s lacquerware fulfills both aesthetic and practical needs. The Samudra Manthan is known for combining vivid artistic expression with natural materials. It presents an ideal choice for individuals wanting eco-friendly, handcrafted artistry. Every panel, toy, or decorative item carries the authenticity of the heritage and the artisan's skill.
The appeal of this wooden craft extends beyond traditional use. These panels fit modern interior styles, adding a spiritual and ethnic touch to living rooms, meditation areas, corridors, and heritage-themed décor. The lightweight and sturdy wooden panels are easy to mount or place in various settings, making the art versatile and functional.
Artisans continue to innovate on this age-old craft, introducing designs that appeal to contemporary tastes while still honoring the craft's ancient history. This fusion of old and new ensures the Samudra Manthan remains timeless, cherished by future generations.
| Art Work | Wooden Lacquerware |
| Period of Practice | 15 th Centuary |
| Artist Name | |
| Colour | Blue |
| Dimensions (H * W * L) | 9 in5.5 in5.5 in |
| Decoration Material | Wood |
| Theme | Spirituality, Mythology, Art, and Ethnic |
| 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 | 386 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
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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.
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Shipping typically takes 5-7 business days within India. International orders may take 10-15 business days depending on the destination.
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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.
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We accept returns within 5 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition. Please note that customized items cannot be returned.
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Each product comes with specific care instructions. Generally, we recommend gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
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