- Soft Green Stone (Serpentine): Initially it looks like solid gray in color but when artisan work on it or wash the stone it becomes translucent green. It is got from the Kenthumundi.
- Granite: It is dark and heavy stone got from the Moyurbanj, which is used for heavy work.
- Sand Stone (Saan Patar): It is used for rough big cheap sculpture. It is got from Kunda Tapang district.
- Soft Red Stone (Naali Stone): It has fine lines and no translucency.
- Car Patch (Adhesive): It is very much used in stone carving because of it’s quick bond behavior (It will fix and dry with in 15 min.).
- Araldite (Adhesive): It is also used for joining the stone but it takes long time to join (12 to 24 ours). Araldite is used because of its strong bonding.
- Sand Paper: It is used to give finishing to the product and make the surface smooth.
Name of the Geographical Indication:
The name of geographical location can be given as “KONARK STONE CARVING”. This can be justified because Konark is one of the most ancient places where stone carving has been practiced. This is one of the centers of origin of the art. Although this art has been practiced in other places around Konark like Bhubaneswar, the artisans and craftsmen originate from Konark and a nearby cluster of villages.
Description of Goods:
The volume and skill of the Stone Sculpting in orissa is known from the remains of massive temples and stone images in various parts of orissa belonging to the period. The present day stone carving products range from Stone Sculptures, vases, interior decorations to large monuments. The artist of konark has produced an endless variety of Stone Statue, which can be divided into four categories:
- The Divine
- The Secular Figure
- The World of Flora
- The World of Fauna
Geographical Area of Production and Map:
The main geographical areas of production of Konark Stone Carving are Konark (District Puri , Orissa, India) and near-by areas and Bhubaneswar (Orissa, India) and its outskirts.
Proof of Origin (Historical Records):
- The tradition of Stone Carving is very rich in Orissa. The crafts persons of the Kalinga School have built masterpieces like the Sun Temple, Konark, and the temples at Bhubaneswar. Konark is an important center for Stone Carving. Soft stone, red sand stone, and granite are used for carving. Konark specializes in icons and figures carved in different dance poses. A variety of household products are made from sand stone while granite is used to make images modeled on temple figures.
- The work is confined to people of Pathurias caste with surnames of Das, Mistri, Nayak, Maharana, etc. This has been mentioned in the year 1604 in an oriya inscription.
- The art dates back to the late 6th Century or early 7th Century AD.
- In the 20th and 21th century the evidence of this art can be given by the list of award winning artisans.
Method of Production:
The process of Stone Sculpting is the basic design is traced on the stone and it is given a crude shape. The final carving is then carried out and the items are polished.
The process is carried by the reduction of a block of stone to a finished state using a variety of tools. Procedures of carving processes can be used to create masonry for construction or for decorative purposes or both combined. Computers controlled cutters etc., cannot yet improve upon works finished by hand. Anyone able to swing a hammer and hold a chisel at the same time can attempt to carve. Though no one technique or method is suitable for all carving, every block of stone or marble demands a slightly different approach to the next piece because of its unique nature.
Below is the description of the basic process of forming a Stone Sculpture by the art of stone carving. The process sequence is –
- The block of stone is broken down into main planes or areas, following form of the desired shape.
- Surface is drilled to various desired depths and unwanted material removed.
- Main rough body outline is made.
- Intricate work is then made.
- Tool marks are removed with flat chisels.
- Muscular definitions are further improved.
- Finally, all surfaces are meticulously finished.
Uniqueness:
- The most important feature of Konark Stone Carving is the raw material. Konark Stone Carving utilizes serpentine stone, which is not employed by other craftsmen. The stone is called serpentine because of its color and markings resembling the skin of snakes. Serpentine stone is found in a staggering variety of colors. Serpentine comes in multicolored green, pink, gray, and black and has a distinctive dull greasy luster and a greasy feel. Compared to other dark rocks, serpentine is soft. Chemically it can be given as ((Mg, Fe) Si2Os(OH)<) minerals; it is also often rich in other metal ores, including chromium, manganese, cobalt and nickel.
- The figures generally carved depict Odissi dance poses (mudras).
- Stone Sculptures are dressed and ornamented with traditional Orissan graments and jewel.
Visit our showroom if you are looking for a Konark Stone Carving Stone Sculptures in Bangalore.