Lacquerware
is a traditional craft of Karnataka largely practiced by craftsmen in
Chennapatna, located about 65 km from Bangalore. The lacquer ware craft
involves the application of lacquer on wood being revolved by hand or
power operated lathe. During the lacquering process colored lac sticks
are pressed against the shaped wooden object to be lacquered. Chennapatna is the hub of a wide array of lacquerware products including toys for children, kitchenware, tableware, bangles and jewellery, furniture items, cradles and many more items of utility value. Artisans engaged in this traditional craft are called chitragars and they mostly reside in several villages around Chennapatna like Makkan, Yelekeri, and Diara.
The hale wood is the preferred choice for lacquering, as it is extremely close grained, moderately hard, and ideal for turning. After the wood is cut into the required size and shape, it is rotated using a lathe so as to smoothen it. Finally, the lacquering of the surface is done by using lac sticks that melt into the revolving wood and imprint it.
