Shesham Wood from India

 Saharanpur, the “shesham wood village,” is home to some of India’s finest woodcarvers.  For years the specialized skills of carving, inlaying, assembling, sanding and polishing have been passed down within families.  Carving requires the most skill; one traditional floral pattern might require six or more chisels and punches.

 In Saharanpur, as throughout India, poverty is often the result of indebtedness to moneylenders.  To circumvent this, Ten Thousand Villages and the artisan groups who supply handicrafts ensure fair wages to the craftspeople.  Some organizations also provide health care, education classes and interest-free loans.

 Shesham wood, part of the rosewood family, is a shade tree found in the foothills of northern India.  Trees grow as big as 100 feet high and 8 feet around.  The wood is durable, insect-resistant and easily carved.

 Care of Shesham Wood:

To maintain the wood’s natural luster, simply apply lemon oil or furniture polish from time to time.  Because of the wood’s high oil content, everyday handling will help enhance the beautiful finish of your shesham wood item.