A Timeless Craft of Karnataka
A rich traditional craft of Karnataka, Rosewood Inlay (Kundana Kale) is a meticulous art form practiced primarily in the royal city of Mysuru. Artisans skillfully carve intricate designs into the dark, lustrous surface of rosewood, scooping out shallow patterns with precision. Into these carved spaces, they inlay slivers of naturally coloured woods, piecing together vivid landscapes, historic events, and mythological scenes.
A framed Kundana Kale panel of a royal elephant procession — white elephant with ornate howdah, mahout and attendants under a ceremonial umbrella, pieced in contrasting woods on dark rosewood.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
An oval rosewood tray with a wildlife inlay of elephants among palms and flowering trees — a functional piece that showcases Mysore’s marquetry craft.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
Lord Venkateswara standing within an inlaid shrine arch, framed by carved pillars and a floral prabhavali — a fine example of Mysore rosewood inlay devotion art.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
Seated Lord Ganesha inlaid in cream, orange and gold-toned woods within a hand-carved arch, with his mooshika companion at the base.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
A sculpted rosewood Ganesha seated under a carved prabhavali topped with Kirtimukha — polished dark wood with contrasting white tusks and fine jewellery detail.
Material: Mysore rosewood
A square rosewood panel with six white elephants moving through hills, water and flowering trees — landscape marquetry in natural wood tones.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
A polished rosewood trinket box with a lid inlay of two elephants in a landscape, metal clasp and raised feet — a classic Mysore keepsake piece.
Material: Mysore rosewood with multi-coloured wood inlays
A carved rosewood working elephant pulling a wheeled cart of timber logs on a long oval base — a charming sculptural piece from the Mysore craft tradition.
Material: Mysore rosewood
