Ladakh leaves one spellbound. Not just by its distinct terrain but also by the markers of culture and heritage that grace every corner, from thangka paintings that adorn monasteries, and intricately carved prayer wheels on every turn of the street to the local architectural forms. One such aspect is the woodwork, standing out as an example of fine craftsmanship. No window, door or table in Ladakh is mundane; there is unique art in every piece of woodwork. Choktse of Ladakh is one such piece of furniture that is an art in itself.
Choktse is an oblong, low-height table, measuring 3 ft x 1.5 ft. Carved by skilled craftsmen, the tables come in two sizes. The taller ones were originally used by Lamas for conducting rituals and the lower ones for the purpose of having meals. With time, these tables have acquired multiple functions and come in myriad colours and designs. Every choktse tells a story and we went out looking for some of them.
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We met Tsering Dawa, 42, in his workshop in Shey – the old capital of Leh. It’s a prominent node in the cultural ecosystem of Ladakh and noted for the Shey Palace – the erstwhile royal residence. Dawa is a craftsperson with 12 years of experience in wood carving.
