‘Konark Stone Carving' refers to the stone carving of
Konark that is the most exemplary model of ancient Odisha temple
stone-carving craft practised by artisans in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The
art dates back to the late 6th Century or early 7th
Century AD.
The name
‘Konark’ is one of the ancient places where stone carving has been practiced
for centuries. The UNESCO world-heritage site, Sun Temple, Konark, is one
of the centers of origin of the art.
Although this art has been practiced in
other places around Konark like Bhubaneswar, the artisans and craftsmen
originate from Konark and cluster of villages nearby.
The volume and skill of
the stone work in Odisha is known from the existing centuries-old temples and
stone sculptures in various parts of Odisha. Soapstone, Serpentine,
Granite, Sandstone, soft Redstone etc. are used for carving.
Icons and
figures are carved in different dance poses and images are modelled on temple
figures. The stone carvings range from beautiful sculptures, vases, vases,
interior decorations to large monuments. Sculptures can be categorised into
four categories: The divine, the secular figure, the world of flora & the
world of fauna.
Even today, the stone artisans of Odisha are much in demand and they are invited to construct temples worldwide. Recently, Odia work of art can be seen in various temples in India and abroad viz. Akshardham Temple & Jagannath Temple, Delhi; Shree Jagannath Temple, Nigeria; and Swaminarayan Temple in New Jersey, USA.
Type: Handicraft
GI Application# 87
Certificate Date: 10/07/2008
Some of the stone artisans of Odisha have won the Padma awards.
The following pictures are from my visit to the workshop of Padma Shri, Sudarsan Sahoo. I got to click a photo with him.
These pictures are from his workshop at Bhubaneswar:
(Sharing just a few, though I have many. A separate post is needed to show the the other images I clicked).
I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.
GIs are linked with the culture, traditions, history, reputation etc. of a geographical location.
Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.
This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI-Tags of Odisha.
You can check out my other GI posts here.
Are you aware of Geographical Indications?
Have you visited the Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, India?
Do share in the comments below.
I thought Konark carving is a lost art and no more practiced. Good to know that it is still done. I have been to Konark many times and always get amazed at the craftmanship. It is one of the most beautiful temples that I have ever come across. I also visited Konark Festival once. I am enjoying your series a lot.
ReplyDeletehttps://trinalooksback.com/2020/04/03/conspiracy-theories-a-zchallenge2020/
Thank you for your nice words and encouragement, Balaka :)
DeleteSo glad that carving skills have been handed over from generation to generation. May it continue forever.
Great to learn that you have visited Konark and the dance festival too.
Do let me know when you plan to visit again.
Beautiful description with lovely pictures. Superb!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Glad you like the post, Jyoti :)
DeleteKonarak and stone carvings are synonyms. I wish earnestly that this art is handed down to next generation and is not lost in the process of modernization.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Anagha.
DeleteHope so too. May the tradition continue.
Odisha has beauty unparalleled to any other place. Very well said, GI of stone carving especially the one done with Konark can easily be established back to Odisha.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Dipika.
DeleteThe stone-carvings tell many stories.
Wow reminds me of my last visit to Konark...maybe you could have highlighted about it's mystical significane too... Defying gravity temple... The one of it's kind... I have been to Akshardham in Delhi too... Proud to belong to the state whose architectural carvings are unmatched
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ira.
DeleteMuch literature is available about the Sun Temple online. Plus, writing about it, will make a post long as many images have to be shared to do justice.
I am trying to post regarding 'GI Tags' of Odisha that many aren't aware of.
Great to learn that you are from Odisha too :) I share your pride.
Those are beautiful sculptures. The horse drawn carriage is amazing. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your nice words. Glad you liked the sculptures.
DeleteKonark is the ultimate example of what Odisha or Utkala as the land of exquisite art stands for. Nice to know about Padma Shri Sudarshan Sahu. Is GI tag similar to copyright?
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and for sharing your comment.
DeleteYes, GI tag is a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) like Copyright, Patent etc.
Wow...the workshop looks so immersive...amazing!
ReplyDelete