Dolls and Toys of Jammu

Walnut wood carving is absolutely unique to Kashmir as the walnut trees can be found in abundance around the region. The walnut wood gives a differentiable shine and texture to the beautifully carved wooden dolls. The varied levels of carving can be achieved with chisels and wooden mallet. The engraver first creates a sketch on the wood and then carves out. Shallow etchings is used for lattice work while etches can go deep down up to 2 inches for flower motifs or dragons. Chinar motif is the most common motif replicated by the carvers on the wood as chinar leaf is profusely growing in the region. Along with the villages in Srinagar disrtrict, Rajouri, Badgam, Kupwara, Jammu and Kathua district are also identified as the walnut wood carving clusters. The shrines, mausoleums in Kashmir are one of the finest examples of intricate wood carvings. The products of the walnut wood carving was earlier restricted to buildings and palaces. Recently products like Jewelry boxes, dolls, toys, frames, lamps, trays, tables, furniture and boxes are being manufactured.