THE CRAFT
Handmade Chain
From the state of Karnataka
Karnataka
The handmade chain is a part of traditional gold jewellery made in the state of Karnataka. The tradition is known for intricate designs and craftsmanship. The chain is made of a series of small, linked gold beads arranged in a unique pattern.
Karnataka is home to several artisanal creations, including textiles and sandalwood crafts. These handmade chains follow the crafts and culture ecosystem.
Karnataka is home to several artisanal creations, including textiles and sandalwood crafts. These handmade chains follow the crafts and culture ecosystem.
Heritage Value
This craft has a long and rich history, dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 AD). During this period, the city of Hampi in Karnataka was a major centre of gold production and jewellery making. The technique is believed to have originated in Hampi and was worn by the royal families and wealthy merchants of the empire.
Made by skilled artisans trained in the traditional art of goldsmithing, chain making appears ostensibly simple but involves a time-consuming process. Gold is first melted and cast into small beads using a mould of clay or graphite that has small cavities. Once the beads have cooled, they are shaped using a variety of tools and techniques like a jewellery hammer to flatten the beads, or a file to smooth out the edges. Tiny chisels are used to engrave designs on beads, while a soldering iron helps attach small pieces of gold to the beads. They are linked together to form the chain using a jump ring or a spring ring. Handmade chains are often worn by women during weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It's a popular gift for women of all ages. It's sometimes attached to a gold pendant called the "sarada mangala", which equates with “mangalsutra”, a marital ornament that spells prosperity, success and happiness.
Made by skilled artisans trained in the traditional art of goldsmithing, chain making appears ostensibly simple but involves a time-consuming process. Gold is first melted and cast into small beads using a mould of clay or graphite that has small cavities. Once the beads have cooled, they are shaped using a variety of tools and techniques like a jewellery hammer to flatten the beads, or a file to smooth out the edges. Tiny chisels are used to engrave designs on beads, while a soldering iron helps attach small pieces of gold to the beads. They are linked together to form the chain using a jump ring or a spring ring. Handmade chains are often worn by women during weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It's a popular gift for women of all ages. It's sometimes attached to a gold pendant called the "sarada mangala", which equates with “mangalsutra”, a marital ornament that spells prosperity, success and happiness.
Memory Vault
Some of the most persistent patterns in the handmade chains of Karnataka, can be found in the temples of South India. They are used to adorn divine figures. Since multiple chains are used for the ornamentation of deities, a temple is an unusual but veritable site to witness the handcrafted gold chains.
Disclaimer:
Any information on this page is anecdotal and based on publicly
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