Metal Work

A variety of metal items are crafted in the state of Rajasthan. Brass, bronze, silver and gold are used extensively in Rajasthan metal work. The silversmiths of the state have gained considerable renown both within India and internationally due to their superior skills. Beautifully patterned jewellery boxes and caskets, candle stands, incense stick stand (agarbatti dan), chunky jewellery, daggers, idols and figurines of deities, birds, animals etc are cast out of shiny silver. Traditionally the Rajput royals displayed their opulence by ornately crafted silver canopies, door and window panels and sword hilts.

The Marori work, especially Chrakwan of Rajasthan is particularly famed. It involves the etching of intricate designs on the metal surface and filling in the grooves with black lac, a resin. The ridges of the design stand out and glitter against the black background. When the Marori work is done on a brass sheets and the lac used is black the art is known as Chrakwan. Other colored lac is also used and other meals too. Artisans of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur specialize in Marori work.

Brass is another metal used in abundance in Rajasthani handicrafts. Vases, bowls, utensils, lamps, jewel boxes, figurines of peacocks, lions, parrots, flowering shrubs and photo frames are made of brass and are pretty inexpensive mementoes to pick up. Bronze figurines and sculptures are excellent collector's items and reflect the amazing sense of proportion of the artists who create them. Chikan, Marori and Bidri are the three common styles of engraving adopted in the state. Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Dungarpur, Alwar, Banswara and Pratapgarh are famous for the fine quality metal ware produced in the state. Koftagari or the art of inlaid metal work is famous in Alwar and Jaipur. Lacquering and enameling of metal ware are common practices in Rajasthan and they lend the trinkets an excellent aesthetic appeal.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011