Inspired by traditional block printing, these tealight candle holders from Tariq Khan boast night skies' worth of starry details. Carved in relief by Indian artisans, the hand-chiseled designs are painted white, contrasting beautifully with the natural mango wood below.
 

Product Features: 

• Dimensions: 1.1" H x 4" W x 4" D
• Weight: 0.46
• Color: Brown
• Material: Mango wood
• Origin: Made in India

Story Behind the art:
"Hi, friends! I am Tariq Khan from the city of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh. I was born in 1986 in a family where block printing was in the blood for generations.

 "My grandfather Afzal Khan, who received the State Award for block printing in 1992-1993, went all the way to Kolkata to learn the art of block printing and making block stamps. He came back to Farrukhabad and started teaching other people this art form. Together with a handful of people, he started to work with wooden and brass block printing on fabrics. In 1975 he started his own workshop, the very first of its kind in Farrukhabad. Subsequently, my father Ajmal Khan, who was also in love with this art, joined him in his work. After mastering this art from my grandfather, he spread his talent all over India, mainly throughout Delhi, Jaipur, Punjab, Banaras, and Kolkata. He taught several people this art form. In 1995, my father received the State Award but was deeply grieved by the death of my grandfather.

 "As a little boy, I used to observe how the blocks were made and how block printing was done with them. It fascinated me a lot, and I too wanted to learn this art someday. Instead of toys, the wooden blocks in different shapes interested me more.

 "In 2001, my father met with a car accident and the downfall of our family business started. It took him three years to get well and start working. We were under immense financial pressure, as we had spent all our money on my father's treatment. My elder brother and I were too young to take care of the family business. We suffered huge losses. We could not get any financial help from anybody. My father had to struggle to make ends meet and educate us. In the meanwhile, as we grew up, my father taught me and my brother how to make wooden blocks.

 "After my graduation, my brother and I started to work with my father. We decided to give it a fresh try again to revive our family business, and also to preserve our craft of wooden blocks. In 2012, I tried to promote the beauty of wooden blocks and block printing through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. People started liking our designs, and we started to get work. 

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size, and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported