REC Trichy, NIT Tiruchirappalli - Admin block - Handmade Rosewood Inlay Tray - Functional Decor

The Mysore inlay craft has a rich history deeply intertwined with the region's cultural heritage and the patronage of the Wodeyar kings. During the reign of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Bahadur, the 25th and last Maharaja of the princely state of Mysore, artisans extensively practiced ivory inlay in rosewood. This was feasible due to the abundant local availability of rosewood and the then-legal elephant culling for ivory.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Master Craftsperson Shokat Ali revolutionized this traditional craft. He innovatively used locally available wood of various colors to create stunning art pieces, replacing ivory with treated plastic. This not only preserved the essence of the craft but also made it more sustainable and accessible. His contributions gained significant appreciation from the king and facilitated easier learning and practice for other artisans.

This evolution in material and technique led to a significant transformation in the world of art and craft. The unique material culture and simplified technique eventually earned the Mysore inlay craft a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2003, globally recognizing its cultural and artistic significance.

Originally, Mysore inlay involved inlaying ivory into sandalwood. Today, artisans use more readily available woods and inlay them with treated plastic, maintaining the tradition while adapting to contemporary materials and environmental considerations.

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