Sandalwood
Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) carving is centred in Karnataka, chiefly Mysuru, Shivamogga and Sagar, and the state controls harvest and sale because the tree is a protected species. Heartwood is the only carvable part; it is dense, close-grained and holds detail fine enough for the layered temple panels, deity figures and pierced jaali work the region is known for. A carver works with dozens of chisels and finishes without varnish, because sandalwood polishes to a natural sheen and its fragrance comes from santalol oil held inside the wood rather than any applied scent. That fragrance is the buyer's test: genuine sandalwood smells faintly and continuously, strengthens when the surface is lightly rubbed, and never smells sharply perfumed. Given the price of legal heartwood, most affordable "sandalwood" items are scented substitutes, so ask for provenance. Keep pieces out of direct sun and away from humidity, and dust with a soft dry cloth only.
Heritage & technique
Learn how Sandalwood is made, what distinguishes authentic work and how to care for it. The origin and technique notes above are maintained as the canonical material reference for KalaHubIndia.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Sandalwood authentic?+
Authentic Sandalwood carries a traceable origin — a named artisan cluster, a stated fibre or metal composition, and where applicable a GI tag. Every KalaHubIndia listing states all three on the product page.
How should I care for Sandalwood?+
Store Sandalwood in a cool, dry place wrapped in unbleached muslin, refold along different lines every few months to prevent permanent creasing, and dry-clean rather than machine-wash.
At a glance
- Care
- Dry dusting; avoid sun and humidity
- Test
- Faint continuous scent, stronger when rubbed
- Finish
- Natural polish, no varnish
- Origin
- Mysuru & Shivamogga, Karnataka
- Species
- Santalum album (protected)
- Part used
- Heartwood only