Wooden handicraft makers in India mix traditional, contemporary elements

Suppliers continue to draw inspiration from the country's rich culture as they add contemporary products to their selections.

Wooden handicraft suppliers in India are keeping their selections up-to-date with the latest trends in consumer lifestyle to grow their businesses. Makers are using traditional techniques and motifs to create contemporary products that reflect the country's unique culture.

At several companies, this has given rise to models that are both decorative and functional, making these suitable for small living spaces that have become the norm in many countries. Recent releases in line with this trend include pen holders and other desktop organizers fitted with slots or compartments for credit cards, business cards and mobile electronic devices. To highlight that these come from India, suppliers incorporate latticework, flowers or animals such as elephants and lions in the design.

Other practical items that can double as statement pieces are animal-shaped wine bottle holders, bookends, photo frames and wall clocks. Coaster sets with holders in the shape of rocking chairs or pull carts are also offered.

Some toy vehicle makers are applying traditional woodworking techniques to produce battery-operated models or miniatures of modern cars, motorcycles and trucks. Suppliers of wooden figurines and other home accents are offering abstract pieces.

India's woodware export sales are on an upward trend. From April 2017 to March 2018, about $662.5 million worth of these products were sent abroad, a year-over-year increase of 13 percent, according to data posted on the website of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). During the period April to September 2018, exports rose 25 percent year-over-year to $382.0 million.

Battery-operated toy scooter with beech frame

Darusilpi Wooden Handicraft offers a battery-operated scooter with rubber tires and a handcrafted beech frame. The ride-on toy measures 28x34in.

Bifold photo frame in basswood

KO Arts & Crafts' model MH818 is a bifold photo frame made of basswood. It measures 12x0.5x8in.

Candle holder made of cedar

Mahesh Handicrafts offers this cedar candle holder with handcarved details. The product measures 8x5x8cm. MOQ is 50 pieces.

Handcarved figurine made of beech

This figurine of a sitting Buddha from Thapasyaa Handicrafts comes in beech. It has a height of 12in.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.