|
|
THE METALWARES OF INDIA
A lot of metal work is done in India. It is so widespread because metal articles are widely used. From kitchen utensils to implements; and from the figures of religious deities to intricate jewellery, Indians use a lot of metal. Depending on the purpose the type of metal used varies. Copper and brass are used for cooking and serving vessels; bronze or bell metal for bells, lamps and figurines; and silver and gold for jewellery.
The market for metalware is largely domestic in India, the only significant exports being in the jewellery segment. But a look at some of the artistry displayed in the beautiful products hand crafted in the various states of India, makes one wonder the world has not yet sat up and taken notice of them! Metal craft produces some of the most enduring artifacts. They do not break, for one. They can be polished so that the piece retains the lustre for eternity. Many of them are believed to emit healthy radiance. And on a more mercenary level, they even have tremendous resale value!
Bell metal or Bronzeware
Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is also called bell metal because it is the metal bells are usually made of. The alloy may contain different proportions of the two metals. Bronze has a dull gold lustre which gives it a very rich, warm look. The soft metal that happens to be tarnish resistant, can be cast beautifully and is the base from which many a wonderful piece of craft is produced. In Kerala, the traditional lamps or the vilakkus are made from this. There are many kinds of lamps, pedestal, hanging, tiered, etc. Also famous are the urulis or large wide mouthed vessels used for cooking in the olden times and still in use for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. A unique creation of Kerala, is the metal mirror from Aranmula, in which the reflecting surface is higlhy polished bronze itself!
In southern India, images of bronze are believed to radiate the energy of the divine and so the figures of religious deities are cast in bronze. Some fine pieces of this art can be seen in Mysore (Karnataka), Palghat (Kerala), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Salem (Tamil Nadu). One of the best recognised is the figure of 'Nataraja' - the God of Dance - Lord Shiva in the dance pose.
The 'kansari' metal workers of Orissa make a range of lovely bronze utensils. Karnataka. Manipur and West Bengal also have their own range of items.
Brass and Copperware
India produces the most amount of brass and copperware. The production facilities and the artisans are spread all over the country and each region is renowned for the particular kind of work it specialises in. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of establishments devoted to work in these metals. Moradabad is famous for utensils, both utility and ornamental, made of white metal and electroplated with brass and copper. Some of the articles may be further beautified by plain or intricate engraving. Many of them are used during the performance of religious rituals. The various products, though largely tradition-dictated, have now come to include some items of modern living, catering to present demand, in polished brass and burnished copper. Most items are now less functional and more decorative. Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its brass figurines and household utensils. Mirzapur is also recognised as a major centre for brassware now. Some exports happen from here.
Orissa is known for the intricate engraving it does on all metals, whether bronze, brass or copper. Tamil Nadu makes a stunning variety of objects in brass, including vases, containers in various shapes; and lamps. Gujarat'as temple bells and drums made from copper are eulogised. The state is also well known for its unique range of brass furniture. Articles that are made of copper, brass and a little German silver are made in the Himalayan foothills and are known as Ganga Jamuna work, emphasizing the mix of metals that achieve the special look the articles have.
Gold and Silverware
Indians love gold and silver. They are considered the two most precious metals. Apart from jewellery, these two metals, especially silver, are also used to make objects of beauty and utility. Kashmir makes the most beautifully engraved tea sets and dinner sets in silver. Orissa's filigree work, with silver and gold wires twisted in the loveliest, most delicate patterns are worth a king's ransom for their sheer beauty. Rajasthanis create heavenly jewel boxes, hand mirrors, tiny containers, and curios in silver, many a time encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones. The intricate work done on silver by the Gujaratis of Kutch district also deserve praise. The unaffordably high price of gold makes it difficult and economically unfeasible to produce objects of beauty from this metal. But gold plating of silver articles is widespread.
The zari work or embroidery done with gold and silver threads also is a big industry and one that is in use in most states of India. Again the gold threads are mostly silver threads that have been dipped in gold solution.
Although iron and zinc are also used, they are hardly ever used for decorative purposes, it is almost always for utilitarian ones. The water containers of Rajasthan, made from zinc is an exception. This has beautiful engraving on it. Sometimes iron wire is used to make a close mesh around the container and that by itself is also a work of art.
The decorative art on metalware
The look of metalware is enhanced in a variety of techniques, here in India. Inlay, overlay, applique, enamelling, embedding, engraving are all different practises in vogue in different parts of India. Bidri is the name given to a form of ornamentation that uses gold inlay over a black surfaced metal. Although evolved in Bidar, Andhra Pradesh, craftsmen in Lucknow and Jaipur also use this form. Fish, flower and leaf motifs dominate this particular craft. Enamelling, the art of colouring and ornamenting the surface of the metal by fusing various mineral substances over it, results in truly lovely objects. The enamelling done in India is different from the cloisonne work of Japan and China. Jaipur specialises in enamelled trays and trinket boxes.
There is also a very special jaali or fretwork done in northern India. A variety of designs are cut out of the metal. In lamps, especially, this kind of craft is wonderful indeed. A light source is provided inside the base of such lamps so that the light filters through the elaborate fretwork. Delhi, Jaipur, Moradadabad and Andhra Pradesh are also well known for repoussed, embossed, chased, engraved, punched, etched, and inlaid metal. Jaipur's goblets, trinket boxes, etc. encrusted with stones like turquoise and amethyst make wonderful gift items and also enhance the look of many a coffee table. Tamil Nadu specializes in encrusting metal on metal to make plates that depict scenes from Indian mythology as well as animals and flowers of many kinds.
Other kinds of ornamentation include the nakshi and khudai work of Uttar Pradesh, which engraves designs on the surface of the metal; tarkashi or the inlaying of metal wire, for which Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are renowned; the Minakari and Thewa jewellery of Rajasthan which is a unique combination of gold, silver, enamel and green glass.
|
|
 |
|
