A beautiful story of how tradition meets modern day design. The traditional toy makers of Channapatna have adopted ‘Design’ to create products that are a piece of art!

Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of Shriranapatna, was known for his valour. Legend has it that he would bring down a full grown tiger with just a simple dagger – hence he was also known as “The Tiger of Mysore”. And hence the Tiger motif is integral to the art and crafts from this part of Karnataka.

Tipu Sultan was also a patron of art! To develop arts and crafts in his region, he invited #artisan communities from Persia to come and train the local craftsmen of his region. These Persian artisans were experts on wood and trained the local communities on carved rosewood products and wooden toys. And that has made Channapatna in Karnataka
the hub for woodwork and wooden toys.

Wooden Tiger, inspired by the legendary Tipu Sultan

The artisans make beautiful #handcrafted wooden toys and these are then painted in bright colours and coated with lacquer. These can be sourced from local craft stores in Karnataka and from local stores along the state highway.

 

Tiger Chair made by the craftsmen

The local artisans have come a long way – from making toys to creating commissioned pieces of art and furniture for the local establishments. They have understood the importance of design and using design intervention with their craft, they are creating products that move from handicrafts to products of utility with their craft integrated in the product. Depicted above some of the commissioned pieces .. a beautiful Tiger chair and a Tiger figurine. #craftsofindia. #indianhandicrafts #handmade #localcrafts #craftstories #handmadethings

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