Netturpeti
A Jewel of Kerala’s craft heritage
The Royal Touch - Handcrafted
The Netturpeti is a traditional wooden jewel box handcrafted in Kerala. Known for its pyramid-shaped lid, precise joinery, and brass embellishments, this box is a symbol of elegance and discipline. Originally used by aristocratic women to store ornaments, the Netturpeti stands today as a beautiful blend of functionality and heritage design.
Named after the village of Nettur in Kerala, where the craft is believed to have originated, these boxes draw inspiration from temple architecture and Kerala’s wooden traditions. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans using native hardwood like jackfruit or rosewood, then adorned with hand-cut brass motifs and fittings.
Every Netturpeti is a Labor of Devotion and Skill
Crafting a Netturpeti is not just a process—it is a time-honored ritual, passed down through generations of master artisans in Kerala. Each box is a unique work of art, taking anywhere from several days to a few weeks to complete, depending on its intricacy. Here’s a glimpse into the painstaking journey behind each one:
🌳 Wood Selection
The process begins with the careful selection of high-quality, seasoned wood—traditionally jackfruit or rosewood. Chosen for its fine grain and durability, the wood is aged and treated to ensure it remains stable over time. The grain itself is considered part of the aesthetic, with artisans working around it rather than against it.
🔨 Structure Building
The body of the Netturpeti is assembled using precise interlocking joinery techniques. Not a single nail is used—each piece is cut, shaped, and fitted by hand to ensure structural integrity. This traditional method not only strengthens the box but allows it to last for decades, often becoming cherished heirlooms.
✨ Brass Inlay & Fittings
It is the finely detailed brass work that gives the Netturpeti its signature royal elegance. Each brass motif—cut by hand—is riveted into place with extraordinary care. These embellishments aren’t just decorative; they are a mark of status and protection, deeply rooted in temple and courtly traditions.
🌟 Polishing & Finishing
Once assembled, the entire box is polished by hand, sometimes repeatedly over days, to enhance the natural luster of the wood. The final finish reveals the richness of the grain and the warmth of the brass, coming together in perfect harmony.
Each Netturpeti is a celebration of Kerala’s sacred craftsmanship—an object that carries within it the patience, precision, and pride of the hands that make it.
Meet VV Suresh Kumar: The Artisan Reviving Kerala’s Nettur Petti
In the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, VV Suresh Kumar is keeping alive one of Kerala’s most exquisite and time-honoured crafts — the making of the Nettur Petti, a traditional wooden jewellery box once reserved for royalty and temple use. Every box that emerges from his workshop is a tribute to generations of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence.
Suresh hails from a long line of traditional carpenters. His father, Vishwanathan Achari, played a pivotal role in reviving the art of making Nettur Pettis during the 1960s and 70s and even trained hundreds of artisans under government programs. Although Suresh holds a degree in commerce, he chose to dedicate his life to preserving this intricate craft over pursuing a corporate career.
At his home-based workshop, Suresh works alongside his uncle, cousin, and other skilled craftsmen. They use seasoned woods like jackfruit, teak, rosewood, and mahogany, combining them with hand-cut brass fittings to craft boxes that are both beautiful and durable. Every box is made without nails, using traditional joinery, and can take days or even weeks to complete.
"Each box I make carries the memories of the palaces it once belonged to !
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