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Handiwork and Indian Culture

Metal Ware

The iron beams of Konark Sun temple in Orissa and the iron pillar at Qutab Minar in Delhi are evidence of the numerous skills achieved by Indians in the field of metalware. The art of bronze casting has been practised in India for more than five million years. Copper and bronze were perhaps the earliest non-ferrous metals which man shaped into tools. Metal is part of the Indian mystique as each metal has its own alchemic and healing powers. Availability of different metals and its vulnerable nature has made it the base for a variety of decorative techniques such as inlay, metal casting, carving, applique, etc. The scope of metal craft is immense. The work done in Moradabad, Jaipur and Delhi are representative of this.

Metal craft has also been an integral part of Indian culture. The 'lotas' or water pitchers are found in almost all parts of the country. The 'urli', bell-metal vessel in Kerala is a basic element of its culture. The metal based lamps in various shapes and designs are part of the Indian traditions and rituals. In Ladhak, decorative kitchen stoves are made purely by hand. In South India, metal icons, especially of bronze, are believed to absorb the charged energy of the Divine and are stored in the inner sanctum of a temple where the icon is installed.

Moradabad, in Uttar Pradesh, has almost become synonymous with metalwork. It is specially noted for its coloured enamelling and intricate engravings. Delhi too is an important centre for art metalwork. The 'paildar' or the pie-crust designs, laboriously made, is a speciality of the place. 'Koftgari', technically known as damascening, offers a wide range of products, both for utility and ornamental purpose. Metal-wire inlay work has panels and pictures depicting attractive scenes. This work is found mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. Kashmir is famous for metal engraving. It is done on walking sticks, nutcrackers, cutlery, knives, etc. Rajasthan does an outstanding work in silver. Spice boxes, caskets and cigarette cases are made of silver with intricate designs.

In fact metal craft has an amazingly wide range of products with a variety of possibilities like metal casting, metal carving, inlay work, enamelling, etc. Also, it is a craft widely popular in India, thus proving to be a treasured artwork.

Papier-Mache

Papier - Mache articles are made of waste paper applied in layers and pressed together on wooden moulds. Today, to save time, a thick layer of paper pulp mixed with starch is alternated with paper to get the required thickness with much less labour. Imagination runs wild as craftsmen breath life into this mould, bringing out a variety of expressions on masks.

The craftsmen of Kashmir turn a variety of utility items, of papier mache, into fabulous decorative pieces. The items are brass lined to improve their scope for utility. Designs in the shape of flowers and birds, and the heart shaped Kashmir chinar leaf add life to the objects. Bright and ethnic colours like peacock blue, dark green, brown, etc. are used. Gold and silver are used on larger articles. Figures and objects like the Kashmiri houseboat are depicted.

In the south life size figures are made to portray everyday scenes of life. The dancing dolls thus made are very popular. Gwalior, in Madhya Pradesh, has a papier-mache centre but largely for toys. Ujjain in the same state specializes in figures of deities. Puppets made out of papier mache are very popular throughout India. A wide variety of designs and styles inspired by the varied cultures of the different Indian states make excellent decorative pieces. Continue to learn more about metal craft, please visit Chennai Online.