Pinjra Kari
Wooden Artwares
History
A poet and scholar traveled from Persia with his followers to the magnificent valley of Kashmir, bringing with them the finest crafts to thrive alongside the locals. Through the crafts of Pinjrakari and Khatumbandh, a Sufi poet and scholar known as Shah Hamadani brought Islam, Islamic architectural elements, and the art of Islamic geometry in wood.
Raw Materials and Tools
Creating a lattice requires wooden laths or battens for the interlocking structure and an outer frame for support. Essential tools include grooving tools for carving grooves, cutting tools for shaping, measuring instruments for precise alignment, and frame assembly tools for securing the structure. These components work together to form the intricate, tension-based lattice design.
Process
A lattice is crafted by interlocking geometrically arranged wooden laths using Tenon and Mortise joints or halved lap with bridle joints. Battens are grooved to form cube, rectangular, or rhombus-shaped patterns, allowing them to slide into each other. The joints rely on tensional pressure, similar to weaving, without glue or nails. An outer frame provides structural support, making the lattice durable for windows and other applications.
Design and Color
The triangle, square, and hexagon are the three Islamic geometric shapes that serve as the foundation for the lattice patterns. The human is represented by the triangle. The square stands for materiality or physical expression, the hexagon for heaven, and the square for consciousness and harmony.
Product Range
Pinjirakari often was crafted onto windows, balconies, partitions and ventilators.
Additional Information
