Walnut-carved Ornamental Box

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented this gift to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during his State Visit to India on January 16, 2025.

^{Dimensions: 20 × 21 × 10 cm}

This gift is a carved walnut-wood box from India’s Kashmir region, which reflects the long tradition of Kashmiri woodcraft. Made from Kashmiri walnut (Doon Kul), it combines utility with decorative artistry and is prized for its fine grain, durability, and warm hues that range from light honey brown to dark chocolate.

This piece is unique not only because Kashmir is one of the few places in the world where walnut grows at an altitude of 5,500 – 7,500 feet above sea level, but also because it involves an exceptionally intricate artistry. Each piece can take hundreds of hours to complete.