The Kundekari Technique in Middle Age Anatolian Turkish Woodwork Art

Abstract

Kundekari is a technique practiced to interlock separately prepared panels and laths attached to them - by using grooves furrowed on the margins; nail or adhesive is not used. With this method, on the one hand, geometrical compositions are created, and on the other, with the mergence of components, the surface is configured. Using this technique, long term deformations caused by heat and humidity is minimised. Different kinds of decoration methods such as inlaying, curving, tarsi can be ornamented on the constituent panels of the geometrical composition. In this way, it becomes possible to practice different techniques on the same work. All these decorations formed by the art style of their time are presented in abundant versions in Anatolian woodwork. This method which is encountered after the second half of the 12th century and progressed simultaneously in Egypt and Anatolia has an important place in Islamic and Turkish woodwork art. Kundekari was uninterruptedly practiced during the Seljuks, Emirates and Ottoman periods.