Walnut jewelry box, "Elephant Trek"

The artistry of M. Ayub has been featured in Family magazine.

"I was born in 1965, in the valley of Kashmir known for its rich tradition of master craftsmanship in multiple disciplines of handicrafts. The valley of Kashmir abounds in tall sturdy trees like walnut and Chinar. It was our family tradition to make artifacts and artistic furniture from walnut wood. I had pursued the craft since I learned it in my boyhood. Over the last decade, militancy in Kashmir had done tremendous disservice to the industry and we were compelled to open our major outlet in New Delhi. However our factory and old office still functions where we craft our artifacts and furniture.

"The walnut wooden products are completely carved with hand without the slightest use of machinery. The wood is obtained from very old and at times dead walnut trees are dumped in shade for dehydration incredibly long period of two to three years. No artificial color is ever used on my walnut products. They are rubbed with agate stone before a wax polish is applied. It is a colossal investment in terms of time and dedication for churning out one finished product of walnut wood.

"Our products have been on display in Dilli Haat open-air handicrafts market, the American Embassy, and Kashmir Emporium in New Delhi. I have never sought awards nor got one.

"Today it is a dying craft. Industry in the valley has dwindled due of disturbances. Moreover the new generation doesn't possess the amount of patience required to craft walnut wooden artifacts and elaborate furniture. Very few people are learning this craft now. However I would want it to continue ahead since our previous generation had dedicated themselves to excellence in this craft. Keeping the demands of changing times in mind we make German and Italian designs of furniture for European market.

"I have a great hope from Novica India Handicrafts. I believe our association with Novica will take our labor of love directly to the art admirers in overseas destination."