Metalwork has a rich history in India and has been practiced here for centuries, Indian craftsmen have been creating masterpieces with captivating beauty using unique skills and techniques such as blacksmithing, welding, casting, as well as metal inlay. These techniques are passed down from one generation to another, whether it be Koftagari art from Jaipur or the Dokra art from Chhattisgarh, these metalworks are everywhere.
The National Museum of Delhi itself has over 20,000 metal artifacts that are appreciated every single day by hundreds of travelers. From elaborate carvings on the temple to intricate Idols of gods and goddesses, these metal crafts have a widespread throughout India, inspiring several contemporary artists to create modern art pieces with traditional practices.
Metal artwork is a significant part of the cultural heritage in India that is greatly admired for its craftsmanship, and one such metal art is Bidriware. Bidriware is a metal art that originated from the city of Bidar in Karnataka, long ago in the 14th century C.E. during the rule of the Persian, Bahmani Sultans which is why this metal craft has a major influence on Persian art. Bidriware incorporates distinct characteristics and emphasizes the unique procedures of the local artisans of inlay on black metal with silver or gold inlays.
Bidri art consists of a detailed process of production that includes eight stages of time-taking artistry. A Casting mold is formed with a mixture of malleable soil combined with castor oil and resin, into which molten white brass is poured to obtain a cast piece which is further smoothened by filing. The art piece is then dipped in a solution of copper sulfate that provides it with a temporary black coating.
The brass handicraft is then carved and engraved with freehand designs using small chisels to flatten strips or fine wires of silver or gold metal. The cast is again buffed, filed, and smoothened to get rid of the temporary black casting that makes it hard to distinguish between the metal inlay and white brass. The metal crafting is then taken for the final process.
The craftsmen of Bidar use the traditional soil derived from the shaded ground of the 15th-century Bidar fort, which is rich in potassium nitrate. The soil is blended with ammonium chloride and water to create a paste-like consistency which is then rubbed on the heated brass craft.
This paste initiates the natural process of black patina formation resulting in darkness of only the brass and not the metal inlay. This mixture is then washed off completely to reveal the stunning contrast between the dark brass and glittering metal inlay.
The Bidriware art requires several techniques and skills that are particularly used in the making of this handicraft item like Aftabi but sometimes a combination of skills is used while creating these pieces for instance Tarkashi and Aftabi. Mostly silver is used for metal inlay as it provides the most drastic contrast but, in some cases the inlay is done with gold as well.
There is a variety of designs used to carve the motifs on Bidri craft, traditionally nature-inspired patterns like florals, creepers, and vines, as well as detailed animal figures along with calligraphy, geometric patterns, and designs.
The influence of Persian and Arabic patterns is highly seen, with the Islamic art that levels up the Bidriware aesthetics. Earlier Bidriware was used for jewelry and showpieces like hookahs, pan holders, trays, and vases, in recent times it can also be witnessed in several other artworks.
Bidriware Through the Ages
Bidriware’s charisma is enough to validate the fact that it was highly praised and appreciated by Indian royalty back in time during the late medieval period. During the colonial period, artisans started applying this technique to a variety of things for the occasion of colonial exhibitions. In the first half of the seventeenth century, the Bidri craft had a huge influence from the Mughal designs, later on, Persian and Islamic metalwork was seen along with the Chinese porcelain patterns.
Bidriware can be incorporated into contemporary home decor to portray a dynamic contrast of modern decor along with historic elements that will surely add a touch of uniqueness to your space. Using cultural pieces like vases, ceramics, paintings and other decorative items blended in with the modern aesthetics of your already existing space will get along to create an overall elegant appearance.
Birdiware pieces are made up of sustainable materials, which makes them a great choice as decor pieces on top of that, they are highly durable so they adorn your house for a longer period and would not end up in the landfills any time soon.
Taking care of your Bidriware is not a back-breaking task, it is a matter of a few tips that you can practice once in a while to keep your artifacts nice and clean. Simply use a cloth damped with warm water and gently clean your brass handicraft with it, dust their surface frequently with a dry cloth to avoid the settling of dust.
You can also use metal polish occasionally to brighten up the inlay work and finish it up by rubbing the whole surface with vegetable oil to make it shine. Make sure to not use any kind of harsh soap or detergent on these pieces as it can damage the surface of the artwork.
Authentic Bidriware is always created by skilled artisans, so when looking for such handcrafted products reach out to local artists to get the best deal out of it. If not, then look for dealers and online websites that sell these pieces and have a look at their customer reviews and ratings.
Whenever buying such historic pieces always ask for proper authentication of the product to make sure that they are buying those pieces from local artisans or getting it sourced from authorized workshops. Bidriware is truly an appealing artistic craft inherited and practiced by local artisans for centuries displaying the rich history of Indian metalwork.
The technique and craftsmanship that goes into the making of these artworks are truly commendable and appreciated by people around the world. These handicrafts are living representations of rich cultural heritage with immense historical significance that needs to be conserved for future generations.
Indulge yourself in the beauty of such rare artwork and support the sustainability of this handicraft with the help of Exotic India’s massive collection of Bidriware metalwork from reputed artisans that will ensure an authentic purchase of this craft.
There is a huge variety of home decor that you can shop from like vases, cutleries, centerpieces, etc. along with cultural and religious sculptures. These Bidriware handicrafts are not just decorative pieces, they are a representation of skilled artistry.
The attention to detail in these motifs makes them a work of art. Incorporate these historic art pieces in your interiors to elevate the aesthetic value of your place and support these local artisans to further preserve and endure this enchanting legacy.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidriware
https://www.ibef.org/experience-india/products/bidriware
https://www.gitagged.com/online-store/bidriware/
https://bidar.nic.in/en/handicraft/
https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/prelims-pointers/what-is-bidriware/
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