Channapatna Toys Crafting Wood Karnataka

D’source 1
Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in
Design Resource
Channapatna Toys of Karna-
taka
The Art of Crafting Wood
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
http://dsource.in/resource/channapatna-toys-karna-
taka
1. Introduction
2. Environment
3. Tools Machinery and Color
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
6. Traditional Toy Making 1
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 2
Design Resource Introduction

taka Channapatna which has been known as the “Toy Town” of Karnatakais a small city located 80 km south-west of
Bangalore, on Bangalore-Mysore state highway and has a legacy of toys which goes back to more than 200 years.
The Art of Crafting Wood Centuries ago Tipu Sultan invited artisans from Persia to train the locals of Channapatna. They started by carving
by toys out of ivory initially then switched to rubber, cedar, and teak. The art has gone global in the recent years
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William and there has been a great demand of toys from the UK and The US. Rocking horses, jumping clowns and the
NID, Bengaluru clapping monkeys have recently become one of the favourites amongst the children in India and abroad.
Source:
taka/introduction
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The parts of a toy kept aside after being finished and coloured.
D’source 3
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/introduction
Smoothening of the work piece is being done with a dry

1. Introduction cactus leaf after it has been shaped.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
A craftsman carrying out the work process with full A skilled worker colouring the work piece using the tradi-
perseverance and dexterity. tional toy making machinery.
D’source 4
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/introduction
The workers practising the art of traditional toy making

1. Introduction in the village of Channapatna.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
An overview of the workstation showing the craftsmen A skilled craftsman manipulating the work piece into a
at work. desired shape.
D’source 5
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/introduction
The product after being completed is being embellished

1. Introduction with a marker receiving the final touches that it needs.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
A craftsman displaying his skills at work. Finished products being displayed in Channapatna.
D’source 6
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/introduction
Channapatna products flaunting their fine shape and Unfinished products yet to be coloured and given those
the vivid colours at a shop in the village. final finishing touches.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Traditional toy making being practised in yet another worksta-

tion at Channapatna.
D’source 7
Design Resource Environment

taka Chennapatna is a small city located 60 km south-west of Bangalore, on Bangalore-Mysore state highway. The city
is famous for its wooden toys and lacquer ware. These toys are manufactured in traditional or advanced small
The Art of Crafting Wood scale industries. Manufacturing and twisting of raw silk and Coconut is a major product of Chennapatna. Chenna-
by patna taluk comes under Ramnagar District. Its headquarters is located in Bangalore-Mysore highway. Chenna-
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William patna is one of the 57 cities in Karnataka under the Nirmala Nagara - Municipal Governance project. Under this
NID, Bengaluru project, the city obtained its website as well as the Public Grievance & Redressal module. The origin of these toys
can be traced back to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the artisans in making
wooden toys.
Chennapatna more often known as the Gombegala Ooru “Toy Town” of Karnataka has a legacy of toys which goes
Source: back to more than 200 years. Centuries ago artisans from Persia where invited to train the locals of Chennapat-
http://dsource.in/resource/channapatna-toys-karna- na. They started by carving toys out of ivory initially then switched to rubber, cedar and teak.This traditional craft
taka/environment is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Govern-
ment of Karnataka.Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree, colloquially
called Aale mara (ivory-wood).For nearly two centuries, this industry is mainly dependent on Doodi Ki Lakdi (ivory
1. Introduction wood) and in rare cases, rosewood and sandalwood was used. Today, this art and the craftsmen have broadened
the horizon into several varieties of wood - rubber wood, silver wood, fine wood, Nepal wood, sycamore wood, red
2. Environment cedar, pinewood and teakwood.
4. Making Process The craftsmen involved in the manufacture have braced themselves by opening new vistas into the current trend
5. Master Craftsman with drastic changes in their thinking and attitude by producing products according to present market demands.
This change in attitude has not just given a stimulus and dividend to the craftsmen community, but this has
6. Traditional Toy Making 1 changed the face with a new outlook to the entire toy town of Channapatna. The availability of innate work on
7. Traditional Toy Making 2 varieties of wood as per the client’s choice, has given a new impetus to the entire industry of the toy town.The
8. Products product range has spread its tentacles from traditional toys to producing articles meant for interior decoration,
9. Links household utility articles, spice box, salt and pepper box, coaster sets, coat hangers, key chains, mobile holders
and an extended range of corporate gift items.
10. Contact Details
D’source 8
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/environment
A common scenario of one of the streets in Channapat- The ancient art of traditional toy making is still prac-
na. tised at numerous places in Channapatna.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The locals of Channapatna carrying on with their daily A bundle of dry cactus leaves which are used to file and
routine jobs on a fine afternoon. smoothen the product after it has been shaped.
D’source 9
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/environment
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
A craftsman carrying on his routine work outside his hut.
10. Contact Details
D’source 10
Design Resource Tools Machinery and Color

taka Channapatna still uses traditional machinery and tools in terms of production equipments. These are as follows:
The Art of Crafting Wood 1. The artisans have the overhead belt drivers that are driven by a small motor and one end of the belt drive con-
by verts the vertical motion into horizontal circular motion.
NID, Bengaluru 2. The artisans use various measuring equipments such as a compass, angles, planes and a wide variety of other
such instruments.
3. For chipping they use a number of files and chisels of different shapes and sizes.
Source: 4. Coloring is done using vegetable dyes while the wooden block is still rotating on the lathe.
taka/tools-machinery-and-color Apart from the mechanized or hand machines they use a number of other tools to manipulate the surface of the
toys, such as a drilling machine is used to drill holes in certain toys, a chisel is used to develop grooves and create
curves on the surface, the vegetable dyes are used to impart eye catching and bright colours to the toys to make
1. Introduction them attractive for the buyers and visitors who visit the village. Moreover there is a wide range of files of differ-
ent shapes and sizes used to further manipulate the surface by creating other innovative designs on the toys.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The closer perspective of traditional tools. Preparation of the vegetable dyes is a process in which
lacquer is to be applied on the surface of the toys.
D’source 11
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/tools-machinery-and-color
The lacquer is made from the resin of the tree called
Rhus Verniciflua, which produces a very hard and durable
1. Introduction finish and is resistant to water, acid, alkali.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The traditional tool used in the turning process of toy The colours are made with natural vegetable dyes like
making. indigo for blue, turmeric for yellow, katakata for brown
and annatto seeds for red.
D’source 12
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
Friction between the work piece and lac sticks on the

1. Introduction lathe melts the color smoothly over the work piece.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The overview of the lathe machine used for turning The Jigsaw machine which is used to cut the wood into
process. desired shapes.
D’source 13
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
The belt which enables the continuous rotation of lathe. The mechanized saw is used to cut the wooden logs
into pieces.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Different types of chisels used to manipulate the wood. Tools which are used to measure the work piece.
D’source 14
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
The machinery used to sharpen the tools.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The sheared wood piece is fit into the masthead for the
surface to be manipulated further.
D’source 15
Design Resource Making Process

taka • It is an indigenous lacturney industry.
The Art of Crafting Wood • Hale wood is used as:

by 1. Close- grained
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William 2. Moderately hard
NID, Bengaluru 3. Ideal for turning
• Specialty of Chennapatna is a complete set of cooking vessels & kitchen-ware.
• Modern innovations include telephones, planes, engines, trains, trucks etc.

Source:
http://dsource.in/resource/channapatna-toys-karna- • Balancing doll is a popular specimen.
taka/making-process
• The product range has spread its tentacles from traditional toys to producing articles meant for interior dec-
oration, household utility articles, spice box, salt and pepper box, coaster sets, coat hangers, key chains, mobile
1. Introduction holders and an extended range of corporate gift items.
2. Environment • It is done on lathe which is machine or hand operated.
4. Making Process • For turning slender & delicate items, hand lathe is suitable
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 16
Design Resource Process of Lacquering:

taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/making-process
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products Vegetable dyes are used in the colouring process to ensure that the toys and dolls are safe for use by children.
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 17
Design Resource Manufacturing Process - Channapatna Toys:

taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/making-process
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 18
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/making-process
The mallet is used to beat the work piece to the desired The piece is then cut in various parts using the mecha-
form. nised saw machine.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The work piece is turned on the lathe machine using Cuts and incisions are made on the surface using chis-
tools to curve the surface. els.
D’source 19
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/making-process
Sandpaper is used to smoothen and file the surface for This tool is used to measure the work piece with refer-
a sleek finish. ence to the technical drawing of the design.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The surface is smoothened for the process of colouring. The coloured lac sticks are used to impart the colours to
the work piece.
D’source 20
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/making-process
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
7. Traditional Toy Making 2 Different vegetable dyes are used manufacture vari- The heat produced by friction melts the coloured lac stick
ous coloured lac sticks. on the surface.
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 21
Design Resource Master Craftsman

taka The Master Craftsman is the head of a unit workshop in Channapatna. Prototypes designed by master craftsmen
are introduced to the local artisans, who use them to create well-designed toys and dolls. He usually is immensely
The Art of Crafting Wood skilled in the procedure and can adroitly perform the entire procedure adapting with the needs of the market.
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William Mujahid Pasha of T. P Arts & Crafts who employees seventeen labourers in his unit already has corporate clientele
NID, Bengaluru such as ‘Touchtel’ and ‘OyzeterBay’ and has enough work at hand for his unit for another two months. He says
“we don’t deal with these companies directly, agents are involved in procuring orders and they are the ones who
get hefty margins and not the craftsmen or the owners of these small units”.
Source:
taka/master-craftsman
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links The Master Craftsman illustrates the procedure of mak- The wooden block is fixed into the lathe machine using
10. Contact Details ing Channapatana toys. a mallet.
D’source 22
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
A chisel is used to curve the surface and replicate the The master craftsman has an experience of a lifetime in
design on the work piece. making these toys.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The vegetable dyes are applied to the surface to add The colours are applied according to the design.
colours to the toys.
D’source 23
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
Channapatna craft is synonymous with bright and vi- The master craftsman can adeptly manipulate the dyes
brant colours. to obtain different patterns on the toys.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Tools are used to break monotony of colours and add The toy when completed is detached from the block of
circular incisions. wood by removing excess material.
D’source 24
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
The work piece is ready and removed from the lathe. To add detailing, a permanent marker is used to ornate
the design.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The market demand has brought about versatility in the

rotund forms of chennapatna.
D’source 25
Design Resource Traditional Toy Making 1

taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/traditional-toy-making-1
1. Introduction The ivory wood is set to the manual turning tool.

2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
The manual lathe used on the work piece which func-
tions based on the hand movements given by the
craftsman.
While the wood turns on the lathe, the craftsman starts

pruning and carving the work piece.
D’source 26
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
Pruning and carving is done using different types of Lac stick is pressed on the surface of wood for uniform
tools. application of colour.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Cactus leaf is used to smoothen the surface of the The colorful toy is ready to be removed from the lathe.
wood.
D’source 27
Design Resource Traditional Toy Making 2

taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
1. Introduction Channapatna craftsman at work on the traditional toy A worker shaping a piece of wood with dexterity and
2. Environment making machinery. concentration.
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Removing the extra material from the work piece to Making use of vegetable dyes to colour the toys as to
give it an accurate shape. render them nontoxic for the children.
D’source 28
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
Polishing and smoothening the finished product using a A worker showing his perseverance during the process
dry cactus leaf. of making a product in Channapatna.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 29
Design Resource Products

taka Channapatna often known as the ‘toy town’ of Karnataka is famous for its wooden lacquer toys and other utility
items. This small village in Karnataka has pearls of creativity and an artistic sense deeply embedded in its soil.
The Art of Crafting Wood The products created in Channapatna are absolutely eco friendly and non hazardous items and particularly are
by very safe for children. The toys are without any sharp edges and non toxic rendering them safe for children.
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William These products are made using soft wood and vegetable dyes. Vividly coloured and finely finished these products
NID, Bengaluru attract a large number of tourists from India and abroad alike and these products are admired by one n all.
Source:
taka/products
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
The attractive forms catch the consumer as well as the The changing market has brought a change in the de-
8. Products art lover’s interest. signs of the craft.
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 30
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/products
The finished product is a colourful ensemble.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details Certain items like handcrafted bottles become a good
collectible item.
Bangles are also a popular product that appeals to the

young girls.
D’source 31
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/products
This noise maker is a huge rage with the young children.
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details The multi utility toys are popular in the market.
Some forms are versatile in terms of use.

D’source 32
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/products
Some forms like the tortoise are synonymous with the The Channapatna craft is a champion of curved forms
Channapatna craft. and the excellent finishing makes it even more attrac-
1. Introduction tive.
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
Key-chains are probably the most popular product of A composition of the adaptability in the forms manufac-
the Channapatna craft. tured at Channapatna.
D’source 33
Design Resource
taka
by
NID, Bengaluru
Source:
taka/products
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details The bright colours, the numerous rotund shapes are the unique characteristic feature of this craft.
D’source 34
Design Resource Links

taka • Craft Design in India
The Art of Crafting Wood • Online Infomation Centre for Crafts

by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William • Handmade in India
NID, Bengaluru
• Crafts Council of India
• Craft Mark
Source: • Arts and Crafts - Handicrafts and Handlooms

taka/links
1. Introduction
2. Environment
4. Making Process
5. Master Craftsman
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details
D’source 35
Design Resource Contact Details

taka This documentation was done by Professor Bibhudutta
The Art of Crafting Wood Baral and Mr. Antony William at NID, Bengaluru.
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Mr. Antony William You can get in touch with Professor Bibhudutta Baral at
NID, Bengaluru bibhudutta[at]nid.edu.
You could write to the following address regarding sug-

gestions and clarifications:
Source: Helpdesk Details:

http://dsource.in/resource/channapatna-toys-karna- Co-ordinator
taka/contact-details Project e-kalpa
R & D Campus
National Institute of Design
1. Introduction #12 HMT Link Road, Off Tumkur Road
Bengaluru 560 022
2. Environment India.
4. Making Process Phone: +91 80 2357 9054
Fax: +91 80 23373086
5. Master Craftsman Email: dsource.in[at]gmail.com
8. Products
9. Links
10. Contact Details

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D’source 1

Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in

Design Resource Introduction

Smoothening of the work piece is being done with a dry

The workers practising the art of traditional toy making

The product after being completed is being embellished

Traditional toy making being practised in yet another worksta-

Design Resource Environment

Design Resource Tools Machinery and Color

Friction between the work piece and lac sticks on the

Design Resource Making Process

The Art of Crafting Wood • Hale wood is used as:

• Specialty of Chennapatna is a complete set of cooking vessels & kitchen-ware.

• Modern innovations include telephones, planes, engines, trains, trucks etc.

Design Resource Process of Lacquering:

Design Resource Manufacturing Process - Channapatna Toys:

Design Resource Master Craftsman

The market demand has brought about versatility in the

Design Resource Traditional Toy Making 1

1. Introduction The ivory wood is set to the manual turning tool.

While the wood turns on the lathe, the craftsman starts

Design Resource Traditional Toy Making 2

Design Resource Products

Bangles are also a popular product that appeals to the

Some forms are versatile in terms of use.

Design Resource Links

The Art of Crafting Wood • Online Infomation Centre for Crafts

Source: • Arts and Crafts - Handicrafts and Handlooms

Design Resource Contact Details

You could write to the following address regarding sug-

Source: Helpdesk Details:

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