Metalwork Peacock - National Bird of India
Metalware includes a wide variety of items made from various metals. Some of these vintage and antique items are perfect to collect, use to decorate or simply use for eating and drinking.
The metalwork of Rajasthan comprises artistic brass work, enameled, engraved and filigree work on silver.
Popular Metalware Creations
Popular creations in silver include wine cups, silver embossed decorative boxes, decorative human figures, cigarette lighter cases and photo frames. Decorative pieces are also created using different techniques of hammering chasing, perforation, piercing and repousse.
A number of household items of daily use and recreation are also made in brass and include incense burners with perforated leaves, and handles in the shape of snakes, parrots, peacocks, or lotus stalks. Swings are a popular item of household furniture in Rajasthan
Different Types of Matelware Technique
Brass Lamp Shades and Sculptures from Rajasthan
Jaipur is famous for its engraved brassware which is usually enameled. Here, engraving is done in three styles namely (1) ‘Marori’ work- minutely lacquered designs covering the entire surface (2) ‘Chikan’- floral ornamentation standing out vividly against a chased and lacquered background and (3) ‘Bichi’ – a delicate pattern of flowers and leaves, on a lacquered surface.
Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to a highlight the tracery on beaten brassware. Traditional silver articles like ‘handas’ or water containers, spice bottles, baskets, trays and white metal articles command sizable export markets.
Brass Planters and White Metal work from Rajasthan Markets
Jodhpur is the main centre for handcrafted iron and is famous for it’s aluminum shields and trophies.
Koftagiri, a technique where light-coloured metal is inlaid on a darker surface is found mainly in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pushkar and is practised by very few artisans. It was used originally for weapons and arms. The metal surface gets a blue-black gloss after the application of a mixture of lime juice and sand mixture.