Chander Kant

Chander Kant wood jewelry

"I learned my craft from my father. As a child I used to watch my dad and uncle craft beautiful sculptures. Everyone used to work at home together, and it was fun to see! Ours is a joined family and we grew up with a strong bond. All my relatives are involved in carving, and I joined them after finishing 10th standard grade at school. My father, grandfather, and my uncle are recipients of the National Award for Excellence in handcrafted products.

"My father's Award was actually for his ivory carvings – what exquisite pieces of art he used to make! However when the government banned the trade of ivory in 1991, my father had to hand over all the work he made to the government. Being the skilled master carver that he was, he easily transitioned to wood. He used to tell me that carving ivory was more tedious than wood carving.

"Carving has been a family tradition passed on from one generation to another. Dad taught me at the family workshop, but formally speaking, my grandfather was my teacher. That is because in 1990 the Indian government started a year-long training skill program for young artisans, and my grandfather was the trainer there. It was great learning experience! Although, I already had the know-how of crafting, it was only during this training that I actually got interested and decided to join my family.

"We specialize in all kinds of sculptures as well as in wood jewelries. Although jewelry is really more popular at the moment, my personal interest still lies in carving intricate sculptures. All of my family, including my four brothers, is involved in this craft and we love doing this art work.

"In 2009, I was selected by the Oman government to be a part of their training program. I went there as a trainer for one year and it was a great experience. I also got the opportunity to participate in government sponsored exhibitions in Austria and Iran, and I have traveled all over India to participate in many government sponsored exhibitions."

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"My father's Award was actually for his ivory carvings – what exquisite pieces of art he used to make! However when the government banned the trade of ivory in 1991, my father had to hand over all the work he made to the government. Being the skilled master carver that he was, he easily transitioned to wood. He used to tell me that carving ivory was more tedious than wood carving.

"Carving has been a family tradition passed on from one generation to another. Dad taught me at the family workshop, but formally speaking, my grandfather was my teacher. That is because in 1990 the Indian government started a year-long training skill program for young artisans, and my grandfather was the trainer there. It was great learning experience! Although, I already had the know-how of crafting, it was only during this training that I actually got interested and decided to join my family.

"We specialize in all kinds of sculptures as well as in wood jewelries. Although jewelry is really more popular at the moment, my personal interest still lies in carving intricate sculptures. All of my family, including my four brothers, is involved in this craft and we love doing this art work.

"In 2009, I was selected by the Oman government to be a part of their training program. I went there as a trainer for one year and it was a great experience. I also got the opportunity to participate in government sponsored exhibitions in Austria and Iran, and I have traveled all over India to participate in many government sponsored exhibitions."

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Explore colorful, exotic, awe-inspiring India, an ancient center of cultural innovation and trade. Today, the diverse heritage of this vast sub-continent can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that Indian artisans use to create a vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of a land best described as incredible — Incredible India.

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children

Chander provides for his two children and is determined to give them every opportunity to succeed in life.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Chander provides for the education of his two children.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Chander's family members have been carvers for generations. He grew up watching his father, uncle and other relatives carve but it is his grandfather who taught him. His family has a small workshop that produces wood jewelry and other carvings using chisels and traditional hand tools. Chander regularly conducts workshops and other educational training sessions for thousands of artisans from all over India. He is dedicated to preserving wood carving and other traditional Indian arts. He is a prominently recognized artisan and has received numerous awards.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Chander Kant has received a $1200 microcredit loan with 0% interest.

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Alternate image for Wood pendant necklace Swan Kiss

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Wood pendant necklace 'Swan Kiss'

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Alternate image for Ebony Wood Necklace Hand Carved Jewelry from India Mughal Enchantress Diamond

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Ebony Wood Necklace Hand Carved Jewelry from India 'Mughal Enchantress Diamond'

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Comments

Michelle WoW. I LOVE IT. It is absolutely gorgeous. I bought it for the pendent. The necklace piece does not detach and it does it hang a long, just so you know.

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64 Reviews for

August 14, 2023

S Sue

Love owls! So glad to get this. Well made!

Chander Kant

Chander Kant

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