Wooden Decorative Utility Box. Artistic woodwork and wood inlay work began as a temple and palace craft, and flourished alongside architecture and sculpture. Depending on local availability, different woods were used for wood carving, and fashioned into religious, decorative and functional articles. Over time, various centres of wood carving emerged, each with its distinct style. The origins of the craft can be traced back to the late 19th century. Closely associated with architecture, wood carving incorporated the design vocabulary of architectural carvings. It was also influenced by Kashmiri designs, with many of the craftsmen having descended from Kashmiri immigrants.