City of toys
Channapatna – The City Of Toys
Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys and dolls that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna ( 12.87 Sq.K.M) in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka state, India. This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka.[2] As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree,colloquially called Aale mara (ivory-wood).
History
The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. Bavas Miyan is the father of Channapatna Toy, who sacrificed his life for channapatana toys. He adopted Japanese technology for toys making and helped the local artisans improve their art.[3] For nearly two centuries, ivory-wood was the main wood used in the making of these toys, though rosewood and sandalwood were also occasionally used.
Growth
With no proper back up or marketing, the Channapatna toy industry faced a financial crunch for more than a decade and was almost on the verge of dying out.[6] However, with the help of KHDC, the craft has been revived and the artisans involved are being trained on changing trends in the industry, to help them keep abreast of the current scenario. Prototypes designed by master craftsmen are introduced to the local artisans, who use them to create well-designed toys and dolls. The Government of Karnataka has also provided help by constructing a Lacquerware Craft Complex, which has a manufacturing centre with 32 turning lathe machines.[6] Financial assistance to the artisans, with help from the Dutch Government and the Karnataka Government's Vishwa scheme has also been provided.
Many new companies and social enterprises have been reviving the Channapatna craft to suit modern tastes.[8] iFolk Channapatna toys and handicrafts, a group formed by Bharath Art and crafts, promotes and supports lacquerware artisans to do innovation and modernization of their products.
Toystory comes to life at the “Town of Toys” in the outskirts of Bengaluru. Known as the land of toys for centuries now, Channapatna manufactures and sells intricate art pieces and wooden dolls. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) also recognises this Kannada town as a Geographical Indication.
Channapatna Toys - The Story of Karnataka's Most Famous Wooden Artefacts
Toystory comes to life at the “Town of Toys” in the outskirts of Bengaluru. Known as the land of toys for centuries
What Makes Channapatna Toys Unique
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Channapatna toys add a contemporary appeal to the purchaser's environment, beautifying the interiors and decor of their homes. Flexible forms and dazzling colours add to the versatility of these wooden carvings and sculptures.
Hanging wooden carvings would splash a bit of antiquity into the buyer's home. These toys are a great indulgence for children during their play time.
The Town of Toys - Gombegala Ooru
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Gombegala Ooru is a locally popularly town known for business since the Tipu Sultan era. The handworks consist of beautiful wooden products shaped like toys, puzzles, keychains, wall hangings and other decorative art pieces including kitchenware. Initially, ivory-wood was used to make these products. Gombegala Ooru Today Gradually, with the evolution of the toy business, creativity expanded far and wide. Today, rubber, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, cedar and other kinds of wood are used in the manufacture of these intricate artefacts.
Channapatna Goes Online
Increasing toy popularity since 2004, has led to online sales of these beautiful dolls online. Many popular websites and e-commerce sites that have been selling toys in general, exclusively auction Channapatna toys as well. However, nothing matches the glory of visiting the stores in person and eyeing these products.
Evolution in Wood - History of the Channapatna toys
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Initiated by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the Channapatna toys and artisan is a two-century-old industry. Persian artsmen were invited to impart this unique art form to the locals. Ivory wood known as Aale Mara was initially used was used in making these toys for nearly a century. Eventually, sandalwood, rosewood, teak, rubber and other forms of wood were used. Basing the toy manufacturing on Japanese technology, Bavas Miyan, the father of Channapatna Toys, dedicated time in learning and training interested artisans.
Toy Story - How Are They Made?
The interesting fact about the Channapatna toy business is that it is not a large-scale business. A small-scale business, the industry comprised of professional women and men carving out these gorgeous models in the vicinity of their homes.
Get That Wood
The first stage of toy making is finding the right and best kind of wood. Woods like pine, sandalwood, ivory-wood and teak are hunted down from all over the state.
Wooden Sun Bathe
Further on, the wood is seasoned and air-dried to reduce the moisture content; this process increases durability.
Make and Mould
The wood is then cut into desired shapes and sizes and later carved to perfection. Earlier, this was a manual process; today, machines do the tough work.
Keeping the Art Alive
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