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Sankheda furniture has a very typical beauty
of its own. It is made in very distinctive
colors of golden, orange and brown with
ornate designs in silver. Of late, the new
generation of artisans has successfully
experimented with ivory, green and purple.
Making of the Sankheda: Furniture
Over the years, the process of making the
furniture has undergone few changes. Teakwood
pieces are cut to specific sizes and shaped
on a lathe by rotary action of a bow and
string. The pieces are then shaved and smoothened
to give them their characteristic round
shape. After this process, a coat primer
is applied to the pieces, which are left
to dry. Ornamental designs are then painted
on the pieces. The designs vary from a sort
of lattice of geometrical shapes to floral
motifs. The brush used is made of hair from
a squirrel's tail.
To highlight the designs, the pieces go
back to the lathe where they are polished
with the pressure of the akik stone. This
treatment is followed by the application
of lacquer after which the pieces are again
mounted on lathes over burning coal. The
friction of the lathe's rotary action and
the heat of the coals leave behind a coat
of lacquer that is finally smoothened with
a leaf of kewda tree.
Finally, the pieces
are drilled for fitting torque and groove
joints. They are then assembled into a variety
of world-famed Sankheda furniture pieces.
Normally each piece is adorned with little
wooden bells, which enhance the ethnic appeal
of this craft. It is possible to make everything
from modern Chinese cabinets and sofa sets
to traditional swings and patlis for low
seating.
Great care has to be taken to maintain
this furniture. It should not be exposed
to direct sunlight or heat as it loses its
glow and the colors fade. It should not
be cleaned with oil or water. It should
just be wiped clean with a dry cloth.
The Sankheda legend
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