Handmade in India

CHIK MAKING
CHIKS ARE BLINDS OR semi-rigid window panels
made from fine bamboo splits or rigid stems of sarkanda
grass,held in place by a warp of cotton threads that are
spaced a part.Bamboo splits,locally known as tilli,are
procured from Assam and for a local timber
mandi,market.The lower parts of the stems of the wild
sarkanda grass are sourced from riversides and swampy
regions near Delhi or from Meerut in Uttar
Pradesh.Pairs of cotton threads are individually wrapped
around the rigid sarkanda stem or bamboo splits to
create a surface which can easily be rolled but not
folded or gathered.The chiks are edged with a
nivar,woven tape;some are lined with fabric to make
them opaque.Bamboo chiks are usually given a
waterproof backing as they are generally used in
veradahs and are exposed to the elements.The Chik is an
inexpensive,earthy window blind which succeeds in
diffusing harsh light while the geometrical patterns of
the wrapped cotton threads contributes a certain
elegance.
Production Clusters
Kichripur
Govindpuri
Products
Chik-blinds
Tools
Churri-knife
Dori-thread
Bricks
1 A chik made from dyed
bamboo splits that are
wide and flat.
2,3 Chiks woven from
very fine bamboo
splits,the thread work
forming a tessellating
jaali pattern.
SANDALWOOD CARVING
SANDALWOODD CARVING IS relatively new to Delhi;originally ivory
carvers,the craftsmen were forced to turn away from their ancestral occupation to
sandalwood when the ban on ivory was introduced in 1989.Sandalwood was
selected as the new medium because of its preciousness,small fibre length and
fragrance,and the products were designed to cater to the tourist market.
Decorative rath carved in the round.
Hence,the main objects produced are
small scale models of the Taj
Mahal,ornate ships and
rath,chariots,which are usually made in
parts that are deftly assembled.In
recent years, the quality of sandalwood
available in the market has greatly
deteriorated and the craftsmen have
had to shift to using rosewood;today
there are only about five to seven
craftsmen practicing this craft in Delhi.
A miniature shrine for homes.
Production clusters
Sitaram Gali
Sheesh Mahal Bazaar
Products
Models of the Taj
Mahal & Qutab Minar
Miniature temples &
Rath (chariot)
Frames
Pocket mirrors
Keychains, Pens
Tools
Chisels
Kattra-file
Reti-file
Baali-vice
Aari-blade saw
Hammers