OUR COLLECTION — ASIA — INDIA 13. WOOD STAMP NATIVITY
This Nativity is made from hand-carved wood in Benares, India. The wood used is from mango trees from nearby forests. The figures are approximately 4 inches tall.
Originally, wood stamps similar to these were used to make wax resist (batik) designs on silk saris. The stamp was dipped into molten wax and then stamped on both sides of the silk. When the demand for such saris declined, so too did the number of skilled artisans who knew the art of making the blocks. At this time, only a couple of families still have this knowledge, which is passed down generation to generation, so these blocks are made in limited quantities. The handcrafted artwork is a fast-disappearing art.
The holy city of Benares, also known as Varanasi, lies in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Benares is a well know pilgrimage center located on the banks of the Ganges River. Benares is famous for its spiritual and cultural heritage. It is holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism.
Originally, wood stamps similar to these were used to make wax resist (batik) designs on silk saris. The stamp was dipped into molten wax and then stamped on both sides of the silk. When the demand for such saris declined, so too did the number of skilled artisans who knew the art of making the blocks. At this time, only a couple of families still have this knowledge, which is passed down generation to generation, so these blocks are made in limited quantities. The handcrafted artwork is a fast-disappearing art.
The holy city of Benares, also known as Varanasi, lies in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Benares is a well know pilgrimage center located on the banks of the Ganges River. Benares is famous for its spiritual and cultural heritage. It is holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism.