Stone Craft

General
Stone is considered to be man's most baronial and noblest expression. Stone crafting is one of the richest tradition in India. Representative of growth of civilization , stone has splendid bequest in India. Stone muses the most lasting medium of India's art and craft linking ancient traditions to present surroundings apparently fading distance between ages for which craft has existed in India.

Stone memorials and repositories are notable and presented in all across the globe. In India , various fine examples of stone crafting are there such as Ajanta caves , Buddhist carvings , carving done in temples at Puri, Bhuvaneshwar and Konark . India has a rich tradition of stone craft—it is one of the wonderful work done here.

Varieties of stone : Texture for living
There are different varieties of stone available in various colors used in stone craft , they are :

• Cobble
• Fieldstone
• Heritage
• Lake stone
• Ledge stone
• Monarch
• Quartz
• River rock
• Top rock etc.

Stone craft is like a poetic expression and an art of craving and architecture. In many parts of India stone crafting is done where small scale sculptures of divinities based on classical and traditional prototypes are made.

Prominent Places:
There are some places which are very famous and renowned for the work of stone craft , they are:

• Karnataka: It is famous for the sculptures and figures carved with fine lines come out in mostly black surface.
  
  
• Orissa : It is renowned for the softener stones which are easy to carve and engrave. Different patterns like geometric , creeper , floral are carved on the surface and various colors are set with the help of semi precious and precious stones.
  
  
• Gaya: It is considered as the pilgrimage of Buddhists. Various stone carvers are found at this place . Gaya is especially popular for various vessels made from stone and marble.
  
  
• Jaisalmer in Rajasthan: It is famous for the fully carved work done on buildings. It is the most intricate and delicate work done.
  
  
• Gujarat: It is popular for their craftsmen and artisans which are engaged in the art of cutting and polishing semi-precious stones.
  
  
• Bihar: It is famous for black stone which is used there to make daily life utensils. Many articles are made from red sand stone which is widely available there in Bihar.
  
  
• Agra: One of the best and exquisite example of marble and stone work is “ Taj Mahal” . Agra is world famous for its superb inlay work in marble, taking inspiration from the Taj Mahal. The designs available in stone products are either foliage , floral or geometrical patterns.

Artwork and Cutting of Stone
The artwork includes carving, inlaying engraving, sculpture and undercutting that is the art of making multi layered decorative items out of one single piece of stone, hollowed from inside. Before machines were introduced carvers had only the hammer and chisel at their disposition. Now , markets are well developed and craftsmen with the help of tools available cut various sizes and shapes of semi precious as well as precious stones.

Procedure of making Stone Products
Firstly the stone is smoothened by rubbing with file or sand paper. Then , dimensions of image to be processed is marked on stone slab. Extra edges are removed with the help of hammer or chisel. Before starting the carving process stone slab is treated chemically. This helps in smoothening and whitening the stone surface. Then finally to provide more finishing carved artifacts are painted .

Products
There is no restriction in stone crafting , it is applied in ornate carvings on temples or sculptures of deities as well as making different items like:

• Panels: Stone Panels provide durability and extraordinary beauty of stone. It is less expensive and is used as a decorative piece.
  
  
• Tiles: A tile is a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material like ceramic, stone etc. It is commonly used for covering roofs, floors, walls or other objects such as tabletops.
  
  
• Paper Weights: It is an item used for holding down papers, files etc. It is generally placed on a desk.
  
  
• Pen Stand: Stone pen stands are used for holding pen , pencil etc. Pen stands made from stone gives you an artistic appeal and charm.
  
  
• Sculptures of Animals and Humans: Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping generally stone. Many different forms of sculpture are used at various places such as : of god goddesses in temples , monuments at various places.
  
  
• Vases: Vase is an open container used for holding flowers etc. Some Vases are made up from stone , on them different patterns are inlayed which give a very graceful look.
  
  
• Bowls: Stone bowl is a open top vessel used for serving food etc.