Wooden Lacquerware of Varanasi is a centuries-old craft revered for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and smooth lacquer finish. This unique handicraft involves hand-turning softwood—typically eucalyptus or kadam—on a lathe to create toys, utensils, and decorative pieces. Skilled artisans then apply several layers of natural lacquer, adding fine details with natural dyes and hand-held tools. Among these crafted items, the Wooden Mirror stands out as a popular decorative choice, beautifully blending functionality and artistic flair.
Wooden Mirror: A Traditional Craft with Modern Appeal
The Wooden Mirror is a testament to Varanasi’s rich craft heritage. Traditional motifs commonly adorn these mirrors, featuring floral designs, animals, birds, and geometric patterns. The colors used are bright and vivid—red, yellow, green, and black dominate the palette—giving each piece a vibrant, eye-catching appeal. Because the craft uses locally sourced wood and non-toxic materials, it is both eco-friendly and sustainable.
Many artisans have embraced the Wooden Mirror in modern home décor. The wooden frames offer an elegant, handcrafted charm that fits seamlessly with contemporary interiors. These mirrors add a warm, ethnic touch to living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Their combination of artistry and utility makes them a timeless addition to any home.
The Craftsmanship Behind Wooden Lacquerware
The making of each Wooden Mirror begins with selecting high-quality softwood, typically eucalyptus or kadam. The wood is carefully shaped on a lathe to form the mirror's frame, ensuring smooth lines and balanced proportions. After shaping, artisans apply multiple layers of natural lacquer for protection and shine.
Using fine hand tools, they create detailed patterns inspired by nature and traditional motifs. The use of natural dyes adds vibrant colors without compromising the eco-friendly nature of the craft. This process requires patience and skill, with each layer allowed to dry before the next is applied. The result is a durable, artistic product with a gloss finish.
Significance and Recognition of Varanasi Lacquerware
The tradition of wooden lacquerware in Varanasi has stood the test of time. This craft was officially recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 195) in 2014, emphasizing its cultural importance. The recognition helps protect the heritage and promotes the livelihood of local artisans in Ramnagar and surrounding villages.
By purchasing a Mirror, customers support hundreds of artisan families who continue this historic tradition. The craft not only preserves Varanasi’s cultural legacy but also sustains an eco-friendly and artistic form of woodwork. Each piece carries the essence of the city’s rich heritage and skilled craftsmanship.
Versatility of the Wooden Mirror in Home Decor
The Mirror serves as more than just a reflective surface; it is also a statement piece. These mirrors can be used in various spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, and entryways. Their decorative frames bring warmth and character to any environment.
Due to their handcrafted nature, no two mirrors are exactly the same. This uniqueness enhances their appeal for collectors and home decorators alike. Whether hung on a wall or placed as a tabletop mirror, they add a touch of tradition and color to any space.
Combining Tradition with Contemporary Style
While rooted in centuries-old techniques, the design of the Mirror also appeals to modern tastes. The bright, intricate patterns blend well with contemporary furniture and décor, creating a harmonious look. This fusion of old and new styles makes the mirrors highly versatile for diverse décor themes.
The wooden frame’s tactile texture contrasts beautifully with sleek modern interiors, providing a warm, ethnic accent. The mirror’s artistic appeal elevates the ambiance, making it perfect for those who appreciate handcrafted artistry in everyday items.
Additional Uses and Gifting Potential
Beyond home décor, the Mirror makes an excellent gift option. Its artistic design and cultural significance make it suitable for special occasions and festivals. Many buyers gift these mirrors as traditional souvenirs or thoughtful presents for friends and family.
In offices or creative spaces, mirrors can enhance aesthetics by adding unique visual appeal. Their eco-friendly materials and handcrafted quality resonate well with sustainable and artistic values. This increases their desirability beyond residential use.
Whether you seek an elegant addition to your home or a meaningful gift, the Mirror offers beauty, utility, and heritage all in one. Varanasi’s lacquerware tradition proudly delivers pieces that capture culture and creativity in every detail.
| Art Work | Wooden Lacquerware |
| Period of Practice | 15 th Centuary |
| Artist Name | |
| Colour | Red, Yellow, Animal, Green, and Floral |
| Dimensions (H * W * L) | 7 in4.5 in |
| Decoration Material | |
| Theme | |
| Age Group | |
| Shape | Rectangular, Round, and Custom |
| 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 | |
| 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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