Home / Arts and Entertainment / Varanasi Artisan Revives Wooden Lacquerware Through ODOP
Varanasi Artisan Revives Wooden Lacquerware Through ODOP
4 Feb
Summary
- Artisan Omprakash Sharma champions wooden lacquerware and toys.
- Uttar Pradesh's ODOP initiative supports the traditional craft.
- Exhibitions and training are revitalizing demand for handcrafted items.
In the heart of Varanasi's older lanes, artisan Omprakash Sharma is instrumental in revitalizing the traditional craft of wooden lacquerware and toys. These handcrafted items, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and ritual, are gaining renewed appreciation.
The craft aligns with Uttar Pradesh's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which provides training, financial aid, and market access. Wooden Lacquerware and Toys are designated as Varanasi's ODOP product, spotlighting artisans like Sharma.
Sharma, whose family has long preserved this skill, chose to remain dedicated to the craft despite challenges from mass-produced alternatives. He notes that artisans have adapted by using alternative woods that still allow for the precise shaping and smooth finish characteristic of Banaras-style products.
Participation in ODOP-supported exhibitions in cities like Delhi and Lucknow has significantly improved market access for Sharma's work. Buyers are increasingly valuing handcrafted quality, leading to a demand that sometimes outstrips supply. Sharma now trains aspiring artisans, emphasizing patience and high finishing standards to sustain the craft's legacy.
