Wood Carving
| Lacquerware | Kondapalli Toys
LACQUERWARE
 Lacquer craft, native to Etikoppaka
of Andhra Pradesh, is the application of lacquer on wood in pleasing shades to create a
distinctive appeal.
Smooth wooden shapes are held on lathe,
either hand or machine operated depending on the delicacy of the item, and lac is applied
in the dry state while turning. This is why they are also referred to as "turned
toys". The lac stick pressed against the wooden ware softens due to the heat produced
from the friction and sticks to the ware. Fine designs are then painted with brush on
these.
The craft is said to have originated in a
village called Nakkapalli neighbouring to Etikoppaka, which is now said to be the hometown
of the craft. The proximity to the forest area with plenty of yield of Ankudu Karra, a
light species of wood, promoted the concentration of this art in Etikoppaka.
Most popular lacquerware are the lac
bangles. These are seen often studded with beads, glass, stones, mirrors and more. The
artisans today have even evolved the most decorative items like vases, stools, etc.
Hyderabaadi Lac Elephants are of great craze. |
