Metal Art
A variety of metalwork can be seen from
different parts of the country:
The Ladakh region of Kashmir is known for
traditional vessels made out of iron and
brass. The craftsmen of Kashmir are also
known for richly engraved traditional household
items like bowls, samovars, plates and trays.
Intricate floral and calligraphic patterns
are embossed on copper and silver items.
These items are then oxidized, which makes
the design to stand out from the background.
This work is known as 'naquashi'.
Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is world famous
for its range of brass items. A wide range
of household items like pots, trays, bowls
and decorative pieces are made here and
are decorated with intricate etching. Electroplated
brass and copper items and items made of
white metal are also created in Moradabad.
Banaras is known for cast sculptures of
deities and household utensils made of brass
and copper.
Making of bronze sculptures is common in
Palitana in Gujarat. The sculptures made
here depict themes from Jain religion.
In Rajasthan Jaipur is the main center for
brass engraving and lacquering. Items such
as photo frames, bowls, plates, boxes etc.
Ethnic designs and floral patterns, hunting
scenes etc are hammered or embossed on the
surface. Lacquered designs either cover
the entire body or a part of the item. Jaipur
also known for its bronze sculptures. The
art of Koftagari or damascening work, is
mainly practiced in Alwar and Jaipur, one
metal is encrusted into another in the form
of wire. Popular articles are swords, daggers
and shields.
Madhya Pradesh has its own traditional
metal ware tradition. Ornate metal boxes
of Bundelkhand, lamps of Sarguja, rice measure
bowls and animal figurines of Raigarh, sculptures
of Bastar are a few examples of the creativity
of crafts persons of Madhya Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of
metal craft. Sheet metal work using brass
is done in Pembarti, on plaques, containers,
vases etc. From the small village of Budhiti
in Srikakulam, comes elegant utensils and
items made of brass and other alloys.
Andhra Pradesh is famous for Bidri ware.
Pouring molten zinc and copper solution
into moulds creates Bidri items. The surface
of the object is then engraved in interesting
designs, to created grooves. These grooves
are then inlaid with silver and polished.
Finally the objects are oxidized, which
makes the surface black and the silver inlay,
thus stands out, creating a stunning contrast.
Pots, hookahs, trays, bowls etc are created
using this technique.
The Dokra metal craft is popular in the
tribal belts of Andhra, Orissa and Madhya
Pradesh. The uniqueness of this craft form
is that no two pieces are alike. Small figurines
of horses, drummers, tribal deities and
plaques are made here. These items are mainly
made from brass scrap. Unlike any other
metal craft the core of the objects is filled
with clay.
Brassware from Tamil Nadu comprises of decorated
traditional lamps, used in religious functions,
while Kerala is famous for its polished
bronze mirrors.
Silver filigree work from Andhra and Orissa
is famous for its intricate designs made
out thin silver wires. Objects are created
with strips of silver, looped and in zigzag
pattern. These strips are deftly soldered
together. The delicate jali or trellis like
design is achieved by using thin twisted
silver wires. Animals and birds, dominated
creative filigree work, which is also carried
out to create trays, cigarette case, key
chains and other decorative pieces.
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