This precise craft, using zinc and copper alloy with silver inlay, originated in Bidar, Karnataka under the Bahmani Sultanate. It draws from Arab and Persian damascening techniques applied to armoury, tools and decorative objects.
Silver wire on an oxidised lead and magnesium base is meticulously inlaid to arrive at such seamless floral and geometric patterns. The three hukkah bases especially have timeless monochromatic appeal.
Artist
Md. Abdul Rauf
Bidar Karnataka
M A Rauf was a National Awardee and recipient of the Shilp Guru Award. He is noted for having collaborated with contemporary designers in India and abroad while maintaining the rigours of the traditional craft.
The Craft
Bidriware
Originally inlaid with precious gold, silver and copper on a base of zinc and tin, Bidri art now uses rust-proof metals instead. Artisans from Bidri in Karnataka are keeping alive this iconic craft that has its origins in ancient Persia and later thrived under the patronage of the Deccan Sultanate in the Indian sub-continent in the 1500s.
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Realted
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