Wooden Chariot Craft: A Varanasi Tradition
The Wooden Chariot made by skilled Varanasi artisans is a centuries-old traditional craft. It is famous for its vibrant colors, striking patterns, and a smooth lacquered finish. This authentic handicraft involves turning softwood like eucalyptus or kadam on a lathe to create toys, utensils, and decorative figures. After shaping the wood, artisans carefully apply natural lacquer and add intricate patterns using hand tools and natural dyes.
The process combines expert craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials. Every wooden piece tells a story of the artisan’s dedication and the legacy of Varanasi’s cultural heritage. This craft is deeply rooted in local customs, preserving traditions through generations. It also supports many families, who depend on this specialty for their livelihood.
Traditional Designs and Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship
Traditional wooden chariot designs often include floral motifs, animals, birds, and geometric shapes. Bright shades of red, yellow, green, and black are commonly used, giving the pieces an eye-catching appeal. These colors are natural and safe, reflecting the respect for nature inherent in this art form.
The craft remains sustainable as it uses locally sourced wood and non-toxic materials. This environmental care perfectly complements the rich heritage of the chariot. In every item, eco-friendliness blends with centuries-old artistry. The artisans treat the wood carefully, ensuring each piece is durable while maintaining its beauty.
Art and Craftsmanship Behind the Wooden Chariot
The Chariot of Varanasi is recognized by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 195) granted in 2014. This official recognition has helped protect this unique craft and promote its cultural importance. The craft supports hundreds of artisan families who live in Varanasi and neighboring villages like Ramnagar.
Each chariot piece is crafted with great care to maintain its traditional charm and utility. Skilled hands carve and lacquer every product, preserving the age-old techniques passed through generations. The chariot is more than an artistic object; it is a symbol of cultural preservation in the region. It connects modern users to the rich traditions of Varanasi.
Why Choose Wooden Chariot Artwork?
Whether you are searching for elegant home décor or traditional wooden toys, Varanasi’s lacquerware offers both charm and tradition. The chariot pieces bring aesthetic appeal and practical use. Each item represents a blend of artistry and heritage, making it special for any home.
The chariot carries a history that adds meaningful value to your space. These handcrafted objects stand out as unique décor pieces. Their bright colors, fine details, and smooth finish complement modern and ethnic interior styles alike. With the chariot, you are bringing a piece of living history into your home.
Crafting Process of the Chariot
- Softwood, typically eucalyptus or kadam, is selected for its ease of carving and durability.
- The wood is turned on a lathe to shape toys, decorative figures, and utensils.
- Natural lacquer is applied in several thin layers to achieve a smooth, lustrous surface.
- Artisans handprint detailed patterns using natural dyes and fine tools, featuring motifs like flowers and animals.
- The piece is polished carefully to enhance the vivid colors and intricate designs.
This artisanal method combines traditional techniques with sustainable practices. Every step maintains the harmony between nature and craft. It ensures that the chariot is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy Through the Chariot
The chariot holds significant cultural value in Varanasi’s heritage. It symbolizes artistry, devotion, and community support. By purchasing such handmade products, customers contribute to protecting these precious skills and sustaining artisan families.
These chariots are a testament to ancient Indian craftsmanship. They celebrate the rich history of the craft that continues to thrive in modern times. Each piece reflects the unity of artistic vision, tradition, and eco-consciousness.
| Art Work | Wooden Lacquerware |
| Period of Practice | 15 th Centuary |
| Artist Name | |
| Colour | Green |
| Dimensions (H * W * L) | 5 in5 in2.5 in |
| Decoration Material | Wood |
| Theme | Spirituality, Mythology, 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 | 167 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.
