Shopper's Paradise: Metal Ornamentation

Metal ornaments have been a rave in all ages and times. The attractive contrasts in colours and textures of metals has led to the evolution of metal ornamentation through techniques like inlay, overlay, fixing of colours etc.

BIDRI
Bidri, a form of surface ornamentation, takes its name from the city of Bidar situated north-west of Hyderabad. The work is in black colour which never fades and is relieved with silver and gold inlay. In Luchkow tht art of manufacturing bidri is believed to have been introduced from the time of the Nawabs of Avadh. The Emperor at Delhi bestowed on them the dignity of the fish (Mahi Murattib) Luchkow bidri, therefore, abounds in fish motifs, flora & fauna and vine leaf patterns.

ENAMELLING
Enamelling is the art of colouring and ornamenting the surface of the metal by fusing over it various mineral substances. The beauty of the articles depends on the skill and resources of the worker and the excellence of the materials employed. The range of colours obtained on gold is much greater than that on silver, copper and brass. Three forms of enamelling are known to exist. These include the cloisonné of Japan and China, the chamleve pattern extensively practiced in Luchkow and Varanasi. And Jaipur specializes in enameled trays and trinket boxes.