Bidriware

Bidri is a 600-year-old metal handicraft made in Karnataka, India. The Bahmani Sultans  from Persia, ruled Bidri or Bidar,a region near Hyderabad in the late  14th century. Today, Bidar is in Karnataka. The rulers introduced  Perisan crafts in the Deccan Plateau where they ruled till they were outclassed by the Vijayanagar empire.

Available in Lepakshi ,Delhi.

Process of making Bidriware

Bidriiware is made from white brass which is an alloy of zinc & coper.

Firstly, a mould is made from the soil by mixing castor oil & resin. An alloy of 94% zinc & 6% copper is cast into the mould  & shaped into stunning forms. A Copper sulphate solution is used to coat the surface of the mould. This provides  a black coating to the surface . The desired designs are  then etched  and are further chilsled with a stylus. Subsequently, a fine silver wire is hammered into the grooves.

The tracery is filled with sterling silver wire.The product is then smoothed to perfection.

Special soil from the town of Bidar is mixed with ammonium chloride and is used on the  hot surface of the product. This is to oxidise the bidriware. The soil in this region is rich in saltpetre. This process  then reveals the pattern as the background is darkened & oxidised. This  process darkens the base metal while it retains the radiance of the silver filigree. Finally, a coat of lacquer or oil is added to retain the lustre of the silver.

The inlaid silverware designs is what makes Bidriware a distinct craft in India. Bidriiware hookas, cups, vases & decanters are popular.A huge bidriware hookah is on display in Louvre Museum in France.

Other interesting items include beetle leaf containers, cufflinks, wine glasses, boxes ,vases and photo frames. Shops in Five Star hotels in India stock some items of bidriware.

The Republic Day parade in India has tableau representations form several States in India. The Karnataka Tableu had a magnificnet depiction of Bidriware products.