Lustre of Lac

By: Rita Jain

In Search for something good to take back home and decorate my showcase, I wander deep into the heart of Karnataka. Just lazing through the journey and enjoying the surroundings. I almost forgot what I set out for until I came by a small little shop of Chikkathayamma, a lacquer artist. Mind you, only the area of the shop was small, it was overflowing with the Lac items that Chikkathayamma has put on display. I asked his name so that we could communicate better, however I continue calling him 'Mister' (I am not too good with tongue twisters). Most of the items in the shop are statues of gods or bright and multicolored dolls.

Though I have heard about lac items, but never have I seen them. And my first word for them is 'beauteous'. The best part is they are not at all expensive. I am told that Lac or Shellac is found in abundance in these parts, and it has been very long. Lac is a natural resin produced as a secretion from crimson-red tiny insects, which thrive on certain species of trees. Lac is considered to be an agricultural product. The making of these lacquer ware toys is not very complicated but quite interesting.

The toys are made out of hale wood usually but sometimes yellow teak wood is used. The hale wood is easily available, soft and white colored which makes it perfect for lacquering process. The wood is well seasoned first before being shaped on the lathe. Earlier, a manual lathe called 'pattari' was used, and still is used by some artisans. But most have switched to power lathes to produce simple shapes after, which apply the lacquer decoration by hand using shellac and aniline colors. The colored lacquer comes in thin strips that are pressed over the wood. As the lathe revolves, the heat melts the lac. After some time, coconut oil and the screw pine leaf are used to bring an exquisite shine to the toys. They are then already to occupy the pride position in your showcases. Showpieces are not the only things that are made out of them; kitchen items, agricultural and domestic products are also produced of them.

After spending almost 5 hrs with 'Mister' learning about a new culture, and buying loads of different showcase items. Its time for me to say goodbye to my five hour friend and a great artist.

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