Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Mandalas: Origins, Symbolism and their Presence in Furniture Design
Let’s explore the origin of mandalas, their cultural significance across regions and their symbolic meaning. We can bring …
India
INDIA, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in the north-west of India, meaning "Land of Kings" in Hindi. Woodworking has been a long-standing tradition in Rajasthan since the 17th century. Masterpieces of woodcarving from the 17th and 18th centuries can still be seen in local museums. The woodwork of Jodhpur is very significant, especially in a region famous for its forts, palaces, gems, wood carvings, block printing techniques and blue ceramics. All doors and modest homes are aesthetically decorated. Form and colour define all life, almost in defiance of the barren, expansive desert sands.
The capital is Jaipur, one of the corners of the famous Golden Triangle India, next to Delhi and Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. It stretches to a large part of the vast and inhospitable Thar Desert (also known as the Great Indian Desert) and shares borders with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west along the valley of the Sutlej-Indus River. Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, and elephants and camels are a part of everyday life in the state.
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan with a population of over two million. Every city in Rajasthan has something unique, and Jodhpur is one such city. Here, following the instruction of the city's founder, Rao Jodha, most of the houses have been painted bright blue, bringing a maritime feel to the arid Indian landscape. Jodhpur's colour tells its history and has interesting stories to tell. There are several theories floating around debating the origins of the blue colour of the houses, with one practical theory linking it to termites. These insects destroy walls and structures made of a lime mixture. Copper sulphate, on the other hand, effectively repels the insects and, under certain conditions, turns blue, giving houses their famous uniform blue colour. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort is also located here, offering a magnificent view of the city.
The increased export market has led to a revival of grand, traditional furniture. Many Suthars, or members of the carpenter caste, have moved in from villages near the city to craft communities. The different communities specialised in different products, such as carving of traditional items for rural use (flour mills, baby carts, camel and ox carts), but there was a resurgence of export furniture and utensils decorated with carved motifs and small engraved metal elements.
These products, which used to decorate homes in rural India, were in time brought into the homes of those seeking exclusivity. Carved or painted with floral or even mandala motifs, these objects are beautifully detailed with metalwork and antiquing. In addition to the traditional brass, white metal and copper are also used to great effect. These are embossed using tools, cut into traditional shapes and different sizes, then placed on wooden products to completely cover them and reveal the wood underneath through the cut or partially. The wood is always polished or painted to an antiqued finish, often giving it a worn, old-fashioned appearance. The contrast between grandeur and simplicity is evident in these collections. Simple, unpretentious and beautiful. Indian.
Local recommendations
If you are in Jodhpur, it is definitely worth visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, which offers a great view of the city. A camel trek through the desert is also a great adventure, and here is the Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji's Steps), a typical Indian "water reservoir" built in the 1700s and submerged for years, which helped manage the considerable seasonal fluctuations in water levels, among other things. Other highlights include the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilisation in Kalibanga; the Dilwara temples; a Jain pilgrimage site on Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, in the ancient Aravalli Mountains; and in East Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, a World Heritage Site and famous for its birdlife. Rajasthan has three national tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundra Hill Tiger Reserve in Kota.
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INDIA, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in the north-west of India, meaning "Land of Kings" in Hindi. Woodworking has been a long-standing tradition in Rajasthan since the 17th century. Masterpieces of woodcarving from the 17th and 18th centuries can still be seen in local museums. The woodwork of Jodhpur is very significant, especially in a region famous for its forts, palaces, gems, wood carvings, block printing techniques and blue ceramics. All doors and modest homes are aesthetically decorated. Form and colour define all life, almost in defiance of the barren, expansive desert sands.
NEPAL, Kathmandu
The capital and most populated city of Nepal is Kathmandu. A popular destination to start your journey to the Himalayas or visiting Bhutan. Kathmandu is vibrant must-visit city for the adventure seekers. Make sure you visit the baazar in Thamel for an authentic shopping experience.
THAILAND, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai province is in the north of Thailand, close to Myanmar. It is most famous for Yoga retreats, Elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls and local artisans, who create amazing handcrafted goods made of tropical wood, bamboo and other locally available natural sources.
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