Metallic Craft of India
Handicraft is an expression of culture and tradition of a country through art forms. This traditional knowledge and talent transcend from generation to generation. Artisanal craft of local skills is used to make a variety of useful and decorative products by molding the local materials by hand and simple tools.
Crafts of India:
India is a country rich in culture, history, and traditions. Its diversity is reflected in its varied artforms spread throughout the country. The handicraft of India has its own place in the world, being one of the major producer and supplier of hand made products. In recent years, the importance has surged due to its cultural values.
The Indian handicraft sectors are labor-oriented, cottage-based and decentralized. The manufacturing is mostly done in rural areas rich in a specific art form. These art forms evolved from their surroundings, rituals, routines as its simply perceived, using local materials. Handcraft is fast emerging showcasing its potential in large scale requirement. Its huge market potential in all Indian cities and aboard makes it a major source of income for rural communities uplifting the weaker sections of the society.
Art lover, architects, NGOs have also initiated in bringing out such artistry from local pockets to the major stream so as to keep it alive and not let the artisans drift away. With changing time, the craft has also evolved in the domestic and international market. Artisans are now emerging by crafting traditional style in modern products such as office accessories, pen drives, jewelry boxes, etc.
Metal Crafts:
Zinc, Copper, Brass, Silver, Gold are widely used to craft traditional ancient styles such as Bidriware, Dhokra, Kamrupi, etc.
Bidriware: Originated from the town of Bidar, Karnataka a center for the unique metalware craft. Bidriware is an export handicraft of India. Its richness lies in its striking inlay artwork. The artwork is prepared by using a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlay with thin sheets of pure silver. It is made in eight stages: molding, smoothening by file, designing by chisels, engraving by chisel and hammer, pure silver inlaying, smoothening again, buffing and finally oxidizing by soil and ammonium chloride.
Dhokra: The dhokra art products reflects primitive simplicity in designs with enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. Dhokra horses, peacocks, owls, elephants, figurines, religious images, etc. are eye-catching. Dhokra is non-ferrous metal casting by using 4000 years old lost wax casting technique. The earliest lost wax artifact known is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro.
Kamrupi: Originated in Kamrup, Brass and Bell metal products are known for their beauty, utility, and form. Often made with brass, Kamrupi crafts are also designed with gold, silver, and copper.