Wood Carvings
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Intricately carved details on the table are inspired from floral and geometric motifs.
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The 'Choktse' a low heighted wooden table.
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An amalgamation of the eight Buddhist symbols is carved. The Dharmachakra in the centre, with the golden fishes around it, the mandala with the lotus below, the on top is the chatra with the victory banners, the treasure vase and conch.
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Different in colors due to the different stages of polishing, these tables are available in the Leh market in Ladakh.
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They are vibrantly painted due to Buddhist color symbolism. These tables in this image are placed in the newly restored Phyang Monastery.
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A close-up of the painted tables reveals the effort put into detailing out each element, and the number of colors and shades used on each table.
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Each banister on the steps leading to the Lasthang Monastery has been carved carefully with floral motifs.
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From pillar to porch every inch is carved beautifully, remaining unpainted at the entrance of the Lasthang Monastery in Byama.
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The ornate wooden throne of The Dalai Lama, who resides occasionally at Byama in the Lasthang Monastery embraces all the symbols of Buddhism.
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The lion carved below the throne of a Buddha or bodhisattva is the icon of a dharma protector.
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The Garuda deity carved here is the king of birds. Represented with an upper body of a human, big eyes, a beak, horns, bird's claws and wings he symbolises a spiritual energy which consumes the illusion of jealousy. In Buddhist philosophy, Garuda is the vehicle of Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha who personifies the all accomplishing wisdom.
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One can find dragons carved commonly over roofs, gates of temples, tables, etc. Buddhists consider the dragon to be a symbol of enlightenment.
Woodwork within the interiors of the monasteries is the best example of the Ladakhi tradition of carving wood. The most ubiquitous piece of furniture amongst Ladakhi homes and monasteries is the 'chokste'. The 'chokste' is a low heighted wooden table oblong in shape that measures approximately 3 ft by 1.5 ft in size. It is intricately carved and finely painted in vivid colors, bringing out the auspicious dragons and symbols of Buddhism. The heavily ornamental carving is done upon soft wood, which is either simply polished, or is painted and then varnished. Floral motifs, patterns derived from the swastika, an amalgamation of the eight Buddhist symbols, auspicious animals like the lion, dragon and the Garuda deity along with peacocks can be found frequently carved upon tables, linings above the traditional windows, pillars and banisters. Contrasting to the grays of the landscapes; the woodwork is usually vibrantly painted, almost as a strong reaction to it. However, the simplicity of the natural, unpainted, polished carvings is also subtly overpowering. The Lasthang monastery, also residence or 'potala' of the Dalai Lama demonstrates clearly how the entire look and feel of the space has been dominated by intricately done wooden carvings that cover every inch of the monastery walls.
The Garuda deity carved here is the king of birds. Represented with an upper body of a human, big eyes, a beak, horns, bird's claws and wings he symbolises a spiritual energy which consumes the illusion of jealousy. In Buddhist philosophy, Garuda is the vehicle of Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha who personifies the all accomplishing wisdom.
