India has the widest variety of crafts anywhere in the world. The diversity and intricacies of the craft range and forms produced by Indian craftsmen lies at the root of the creative process, and is ever-present in the artisan tradition.  The patterns that the craft traditions in India have taken and which have survived for millennia were already mature and firmly established in the cities of the Indus Valley Civilizations.  The classical craft tradition flowered around rulers and their courts and the temples built to glorify the gods.  Woodworkers today continue to work in the style of their ancestors, with the simplest of tools and their own creative imagination.

 India abounds in trees that provide the raw material for these beautiful boxes.  The wood used for ornamental work in Kashmir is Walnut, which provides the base for their fine workmanship.  Before the wood is used to make boxes, it must be dried completely, which takes between 2 and 3 years.  The boxes are all hand-carved. When the carving is complete, each piece is rubbed with agate stone and then waxed to enhance its natural sheen.  Teak, Sheesham, Deodar, Ebony, Redwood, Rosewood, Red Cedar, Sal and many others are also used by Indian craftsmen, as they too lend themselves to fine decorative carving.   

Wooden Jewellery Boxes                                        Wooden Cigar and Cigarette Boxes
Wooden  Secrets Boxes                                           North Indian Resin Boxes
North Indian Wooden Boxes                                    North Indian Box sets