About this object

This panel embodies the 17th–18th century French Neoclassical decorative tradition, reinterpreted by a Jodhpur master carver whose family has maintained this craft for three generations. The central medallion presents a classical pedestal urn overflowing with an abundant bouquet of daisies, roses, and foliage, carved in deep relief with each petal individually cut. This composition has been in the family's pattern book since the 1960s, representing decades of refined technique passed from father to son. Carved from solid teak wood, the panel features four concentric layers of detail: the central floral urn medallion, a circular border frame, four acanthus scroll spandrels at the corners, and a full-perimeter bead-and-rope border with stepped outer frame moulding. The grey-wash finish is hand-applied over the warm teak, settling into carved recesses to deepen shadows while allowing the honey-toned wood to shine through on raised surfaces. This two-tone relief shifts dynamically in natural light, appearing golden in morning sun and silvered in evening light. Each panel requires eight days of hand carving. The maker produces only forty panels annually, maintaining a six-week waiting list that speaks to the exceptional quality and demand for this work. Jodhpur's wood carving district is renowned worldwide for producing India's finest relief panels, and this piece represents the pinnacle of that tradition. Whether mounted above a fireplace, console, or bed, this panel rewards close attention with its ordered abundance and meticulous detail.