Jeypore Enamels

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The art of enamelling on metal is successfully practiced in many parts of India, but it is universally acknowledged that the best work on gold is produced at Jeypore, in Rajputana. The colours employed rival the tints of the rainbow in purity and brilliancy, and they are laid on the gold by the Jeypore artists with such exquisite taste that there is never a want of harmony; even when jewels are also used they serve but to enhance the beauty of the enamel.

All who see the gold enamel work of Jeypore admire the beautiful designs in which it is carried out. It is with the view of placing some of these designs on record, and affording everyone the opportunity of seeing them, that this collection has been made.

The book is peerless for its illustrations and includes twenty-eight full page colored plates containing one hundred and twenty designs. The book published first in 1886, is now a collector's item.

Preface

All who see the gold enamel work of Jeypore admire the beautiful designs in which it is carried out. It is with the view of placing some of these designs on record, and affording the public the opportunity of seeing them, that this collection has been made.

The Designs have been drawn by one of the best Jeypore artists, by name Ram Bux, son of Esur, and the only crdit I can claim is in having set him to work and paid him for his trouble.

The letterpress has been written by Surgeon-major T.H. Hendley, Agency Surgeon at Jeypore, to whom I gladly take this opportunity of retuning thanks for all his help - in all matters so readily given - especially in this book.

If this work is considered deserving of any credit or notice it is to Dr. Hendley and to Ram Bux that it is due.

Introduction

The art of enamelling on metal is successfully practiced in many parts of India, but it is universally acknowledged that the best work on gold is produced at Jeypore, in Rajputana. The colours employed rival the tints of the rainbow in purity and brilliancy, and they are laid on the gold by the Jeypore artists with such exquisite taste that there is never a want of harmony; even when jewels are also used they serve but to enhance the beauty of the enamel.

The enamels of Europe and of Persia are poor and lusterless in comparison with those of Jeypore, and in none of them is the fiery red, for which the latter is so remarkable, at all approached.

At Jeypore enamelling is done on gold, silver and copper, but it is in works in the most precious metal alone that it has secured the pre-eminence.

The following are the principal places at which the art is practiced in India: