There are varied designs and techniques that are implemented in the construction of furniture and storage segments for a home. The chief variations exist in the specific raw material utilized for construction and the overall process of manufacturing. These variations make a piece of furniture apt for a specific style of themes and environs.
When we think about the ethnic Indian style of living, there are some designs of furniture that are largely creative and distinctive and are exclusively practised in India. Let’s explore some traditional Indian furniture designs in detail.
Indian Furniture Designs
Wood Carvings of Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the renowned areas in India, famous for its intricate designs of wood carvings. The wood of the walnut tree is chiefly utilized. The deep carving designs include patterns of dragons, lotus or floral motifs, and open latticework illustrating Chinar motifs. Furniture with such designs used in dining chairs or bedrooms provides an adorable look.
Shekhawati Jodhpur Style
The Shekhawati Jodhpur Style is one of the most eminent furniture styles among Rajasthani fashion under Indian designs. Such style is known for its beautiful carvings done by skilled craftsmen of Jodhpur. Made using a variety of woods like Sheesham, mango, rosewood, acacia, etc., this style embraces ethnic borders & motifs. Most of the designs are based on traditional Indian art depicting Hindu Gods, Kings & Queens. This furniture design is mostly suitable for living rooms with traditional settings.
Jaali Designs
The Hindi term “Jaali” is what we call ‘net’ in English. Indian furniture makes elegant use of the Jaali design. The furniture, doors & windows with such designs include geometric floral patterns melded with embellished leaves & creepers. It has the intricated netted variety, often used as room dividers and an airier one mostly used in verandas or rooms having light and air requirements.
Bamboo & Cane Weaving
Bamboo & Cane weaving method for furniture designing is widely used in Himachal Pradesh and Assam. The process of manufacturing these include various steps like – gathering raw material from forests, procuring a smooth surface of cane and bamboo by scrapping it off, truncating longer cane sticks into small segments, then splitting them to form strips. Lastly, the weaving process is done. The natural feel and warmth of cane and bamboo render this type of furniture apt for an organic theme, widely used in villages.
Now, let’s look back at ancient India’s perspective of furniture.
Ancient India Furniture
Furniture of India have endured centuries of changes and has emerged as a fusion of cultures around the globe. Indian furniture styles are an exemplar of the blend of varied artistic designs with foreign manipulations resulting in exclusive designs.
However, furniture was never before a part of the tradition of Indian furniture is popular in the world for its detailing and robustness. There were only a couple of cultures involved in furniture construction in early India. Such skills were in their peak time amid the 14th century Vijayanagar Empire. The royalty greatly respected the wood craftsmen. The furniture that time was especially the Royal thrones, and doors & pillars of palaces, etc. The common people don’t have furniture at their homes, they generally sat, slept, and ate on the floor only.
Presently, the furniture we have was developed via foreign influences. Various historical foreign influences that are described below.
Indian Furniture History
In the late 14th century, Portuguese visited India for trade, with Southern India. Hence, Southern India adopted Portuguese style furniture with intricate carvings and spacious cabinets.
The Mughals came to Northern India around mid-16th Century, driving along with influences in furniture leading the development of writing desks and tables, etc., ornated ivory, dark wood, and mirrors.
Successively European powers dominated the nation and they were amused due to the absence of furniture, as in their home country, they were used to it. So, they procured Indian craftsmen to craft furniture by European styles and Indian raw materials. Thus, the furniture emerged with a blend of Indian culture and European style. Distinctive furniture withe decorative features were designed.
Further in the18th Century, the Britishers were paramount that lead to furniture with English designs and use of teak. The 19th Century also steered along with furniture ornamentation.
Then, In the 20th century, the trend transformed into simple and utility furniture, it was cheaper than the ornamentations. The furniture also had the use of cheaper quality of wood.
The Trend Today
Our former generation used tables, almirahs, charpoys or wooden beds, etc. Nevertheless, coming to the 21st Century, emerged the luxury lifestyle furniture such as advanced almirahs, designer tables, chairs, luxury king and queen-sized beds, storage utility furniture, swings, and much more… What we see nowadays in the advanced era!!!
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