Bone Carving (Lucknow)

 introduction

Bone carving is the craft of making elaborate artwork by carving animal bones or horns. Lucknow has been a significant hub for bone or ivory carving since the Nawabs' time. Expert artisans used to create ornamental and useful items for the Awadh Nawabs. Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow became known as a the primary hub for ivory carving since the Nawabs supported the art. Since ivory was outlawed, skilled carvers have started using camel and buffalo bones.

Location and Population: Thakurganj is a small community where several craftspeople carve bones close to their homes. The location is in the center of the city, where Muslims make up the majority of the population. It is home to numerous bone carvers who have been doing this for decades. The majority of carving is done by Muslim groups.

However, a limited number of Hindu communities have learnt the trade and are now producing tiny goods. Since ivory and bone carving are seen as opulent crafts, the royal family has supported them.

tools

The following are the tools used in bone carving:

A basula is the kind of hammer used to cut bone into the appropriate sizes and forms.

The surface is planned using reticle files.

Chausi: This type of chisel is used to carve elaborate jaalis. Depending on the situation, round, half-round, and flat chisels are utilized.

Tekora: Used to smooth out jaali's tiny holes. The thin wire is used to make Tekora. The groves are formed by shaping the tiny wire.

Thiya: A round wooden block with a tiny stand in between, Thiya serves as a foundation for work.

Prakar: The design is marked with a compass.

To drill holes in bone, a drilling machine is utilized.

The finished product is polished using a buffing machine.

raw materials

• Raw Material: "Bone" is the main ingredient. Elephant tusks were originally used by craftspeople to create elaborate decorative and functional items. Craftspeople now use camel or buffalo bones as alternative raw materials because it is illegal to use elephant tusks. Depending on their size and quality, these bones can cost anywhere from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 at the butcher shop.

From the animals, four types of bones are extracted:

Tersoor A Grade (Rs. 14/- kg)

Gola's grade: B (Rs. 12/- kg)

Bhanhu in Grade C (Rs. 8/- kg)

Paaya D Grade (Rs. 6/- kg)

The finest is tersoor, which craftspeople can use to create strips as thick as an inch.

Making Process The craving process involves the following steps: 1. Cutting 2. Cleaning 3. Bleaching 4. Carving 5. Finishing

Cutting: The bone is sliced into the proper lengths after being bought from the market. The top layer is first scraped off, and then Basuli is used to cut. These chopped pieces are subsequently shaped using a cutting machine. Bones smell while they are being chopped and buff. There is not any residual smell aside from this.

Cleaning: The bone is cooked in boiling water with soda after it has been sliced. This aids in clearing the bone's surface of fat and other greasy substances. The boiling procedure lasts for three to four hours. To a certain degree, it also aids in eliminating the unpleasant odor.

Bleaching: The bone is cleaned, then immersed in a hydrogen peroxide solution and exposed to sunlight for six to seven hours. This aids in bone whitening.

Carving: Using glue (fevicol), bones are carved into the appropriate forms and adhered or put together. Using a compass, marking is done once it has dried. Drilling machines are used to create the holes, and then various hand tools are used to begin the carving process.

Finishing: Various buff grades are used to buff the object after it has been carved. This makes the product sparkle. Depending on the needs, the elaborate parts are occasionally colored in various hues.

products

In the past, the craftsmen produced a wide range of goods for the Avadh Nawabs and royal courts. Sword and dagger hilts, plaques to adorn the sides of carriages and howdahs, palanquins, games like chess and chowpad, figures, and everyday items like combs, bangles, and mirror frames, as well as picture frames and furniture, were all decorated with ivory. Nowadays, jewelry boxes, pen stands, trinkets, paper knives, scissors, earrings, rings, silverware, chilams, and other items are made by artisans using bone instead of ivory.

In Lucknow, two main categories of work are carried out. One is carving, while the other is Jaali's work. The Mughal civilization has an influence on Jaali's art. It draws inspiration from things like architecture and the natural world. Jewelry boxes, table lamps, jewelry, and other items are heavily carved with these jaalis. Various decorative items are made from various kinds of camel bone, including pieces that have been dyed. Thicker bones are used for spherical carvings that feature hunting and woodland themes, complete with elephants, tigers, parrots, peacocks, and blossoming trees.