Introduction:
A Sikkimese Choktse (ཁྲོག་རྩེ) table is a foldable, small wooden table crafted beautifully with different designs and patterns. This is the prime example of Sikkim and Tibetan craftsmanship. Wooden crafts have been extensively used in Sikkim since ancient times. In Modern time, these tables are the centerpiece of hospitality in Sikkim houses today. Keeping this craft tradition alive is a way of maintaining the cultural bond in the current generation. These tables have become a special product of the Sikkim state.
Origin of Choktse:
There is a debate on its origin. Some sources emphasis it’s origin in Gangtok, Sikkim, but the strongest is that it originated in Tibet. With the migration of Tibetan Buddhism to Sikkim, it was localized and adopted in Sikkim. Now it is acknowledged as a traditional craft of the region, but its roots are Tibetan.
It was not created for decor. Monks sit on the floor for hours; they need a table exactly with the right height to put the object. Monks used to travel between monasteries to different places and mountains. In that case, carrying a heavy standard table was impossible. The flat, folded choktse table enables it to be put easily on the yak or horse and travel, and they could carry the sacred altar wherever they wanted.
Additionally, it was originally the mark of status. Complex carved tables are used by the High Lama and aristocratic people, and common people use simpler and uncarved surface tables.
Key Features of Choktse:
Foldable & Portable: The most important feature of these tables is an intelligent foldable design, making them functional and a cultural symbol at the same time. This can be folded and stored. The foldable design and portability are the sign of proof that beauty does not need to sacrifice utility, as portability was essential to move through the Himalayan terrain.
Complex woodwork and Vibrant motifs: These tables are crafted from local woods such as kath (Magnolia), tsingh, or Walnut. These woods are soft enough and extremely fine.
The carving on these tables usually represents Buddhist motifs such as the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala), Dragons and Phoenixes (representing power, protection and peace), Floral patterns like lotus flower (represents Buddhist ecology), Dhamma wheel and geometric patterns. These tables carry the beauty and spirit of the tradition of the Sikkim people. The theme of the table is based on Buddhist culture or nature, just like the other traditional crafts of Sikkim.
Making Process of Choktse
The craftsmen who make these tables are highly skilled. The process required tremendous skills, effort, and a lot of patience. First, the logs of wood are cut into the parts of the table, and then they craft the design beautifully and elaborately. Motifs and symbols are transferred to paper stencils and wood. The holes are drilled around the motifs by the drilling machine.
To carve the design, they use the set of ikas (straight tools) and tikkyu (curved tools) that creates the raise the elevating 3D effect. That’s locally called ‘look three-dimensional.’ The carved pieces are assembled, and the entire table is sanded to a smooth finish. The primer coat is applied and allowed to dry completely. At the end, the table is hand-painted with beautiful, vibrant, enriching traditional colors and polished to protect the wood and highlight the motifs and symbols.
Choktse table in Buddhist monasteries
Woodcraft is closely tied to Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Initially, it was specially designed to hold Lama’s prayer book, Pecha, and ritual objects like a bell. In Buddhist monasteries, artisans created a variety of items for daily use and ritual practices. For the ceremonial offerings, daily monastic activities, and scripture readings.
Because of foldable characteristics, these can be adjusted in a small space and can make movable arrangements easily. The Buddhist motifs reflect both spiritual symbols and artisan skills. In Sikkim monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Phodong, or Enchey, it is used in prayer halls and in daily rituals. Also, in Tashiding Monastery, this table is used in the Bumchu festival.
Choktse table on daily life
In the traditional Sikkimese house, Bhutia homes, a specific room is dedicated to the Altar, known as Chosham. Many households use Choktse as a platform to put the sacred items. On a daily basis, family members put seven bowls of water (drinking, washing, flowers, incense, light, perfume, and food)
Choktse is also a symbol of respect. During the new year (Losar), Choktse are lined up to arrange a long banquet to serve the chang (millet beer), tea, and snacks for the community people. Also, when the guest arrives in the house, the table is placed before them and is the symbol of high hospitality.
Difference between Tibetan and Sikkim Choktse
Both traditions share a common lineage, but both evolved in distinct styles. The Tibetan style (Chokchi)is referred to traditional foundation. When the Sikkim choktse were adapted and emerged through the royal patronage of the Chogyal dynasty. The king wanted these tables to be presented as a gift to foreign officials. Artisans were given more money. To please the court, the carving became very complex and deep, so you can see through the patterns.
The turning point was the establishment of the Government Institute of Cottage Industry (GICI), at present known as Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (DHH), in 1957, which standardized and promoted the Sikkimese style Choktse. Now doing efforts to preserve these crafts. Museum of Tibetology in Gangtok preserves antique Choktses that were used exclusively for religious offerings in old times.
Tibetan style is often raised but not necessarily see-through or pierced. Some are solid or fixed; colors are muted and earthy, and motifs are mostly the dhamma wheel. Sikkim style is undercutting; the carving is almost detached from the background frame, also foldable and portable, and colors are bright and vibrant, whereas motifs are local natural elements.
Choktse in other regions:
Ladakh (India): In Ladakh, choktse are most common in homes and are used for dining and rituals. It reflects the local history and symbols like the garuda, lions, Bird and dragons. And commonly used woods are willow, apricot, and walnut wood.
Nepal: These choktse tables are similar to Sikkim-style folding and portable wooden tables and are used for puja (ritual) and for household functions. These also show Buddhist motifs and regional patterns, such as floral and symbolic.
Conclusion
For Sikkim communities, it is the symbol of heritage. Over time, making choktse tables spread from monastic walls to beyond households and boundaries. Today, it is not just tourist souvenirs but also the most important handicraft export that provides an income source for specialized woodcarving artists and painters.
References:
Asia InCH – Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage. (n.d.). Choktse-table of Sikkim.
https://www.asiainch.org/craft/choktse-table-of-sikkim/
Craffi. (n.d.). Choktse table (Product detail).
https://craffi.com/Product-Detail.aspx?Pcode=PD-44
DirectCreate. (n.d.-a). Choktse (Craft description).
https://www.directcreate.com/craft/choktse
DirectCreate. (n.d.-b). Choktse (Product page).
https://www.directcreate.com/product/choktse
Global InCH – International Journal of Intangible Cultural Heritage. (n.d.). Wood carving of Sikkim.
https://globalinch.org/craft/wood-carving-of-sikkim/
Northeast Handicrafts. (n.d.). Sikkimese Choktse hand-painted wooden table.
https://northeasthandicrafts.com/products/sikkimese-choktse-hand-painted-wooden-table
Tibet Echo. (n.d.). Tibet 101: Choktse tables.
https://tibet.net/tibet-101-choktse-tables/
Village Square. (n.d.). There’s art in Ladakh’s choktse: The multi-purpose low table.
https://villagesquare.in/theres-art-in-ladakhs-choktse-the-multi-purpose-low-table/