Norbulingka Institute - Sidhpur
Starting the apprenticeship with drawing practice is the basic rule of Buddhist art, hence this also applies to Buddhist wooden art. The students illustrate designs on a paper until proficient and then slowly moves to simple wood drawings and carvings. Beginners start with pinewood carpentry, gradually moving to teakwood. Once a design is drawn onto the wood, the artisan drills a hole to make space for a fret saw. This fret saw with a strong bamboo frame helps to cut out extra portions of wood that are even less than one square centimeter in size. The ready work is then polished in an old-fashioned method or painted in rich colours, and some are even embellished with gold leaf. The product type ranges from elaborate cabinets and thrones for shrine-rooms, monasteries and temples to even incense stick holders and folding tables.
