New Delhi, 20/3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gifted a sandalwood Buddha statue encased in a ‘kadamwood jali box’ to his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida who is in India on a state visit, officials said.
The artwork is associated with the rich heritage of Karnataka.
Officials said the art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practiced in the southern Indian state for centuries, and this craft involves carving intricate designs into blocks of fragrant sandalwood, creating intricate sculptures, figurines and other decorative items.
Sandalwood tree (Santalum album), a species native to India, has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries, and it is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and prized woods in the world.