Woodcarving and inlay work Mirror

Pilakhuwa and its adjoining areas in western Uttar Pradesh have, for centuries, been home to woodcarvers who sustained the printing industry by making patterned blocks. As screen printing and industrial printing took over most of the market, their finely honed ability was put to wider use. Families like that of Arshad Kafeel began to make carved boxes or inlaid them with brass, white metal and copper wire. Picture and mirror frames, vase holders, lamps, low tables and wall plaques with intricately laid designs have earned them national acclaim. While tentatively exploring calligraphy, Arshad was encouraged to communicate something of significance for his family.

The message inscribed in Urdu script within the inlaid design of the mirror frame is darpan jhoot na bole, which means “the mirror never lies”.