Bidriware

Bidriware originates from the township of Bidar in Karnataka. Bidar is the chief ‘headquarters’ for the creation of this form of  metal work. The intricacy involved with Bidriware designs makes it a popular choice for export of crafts from India. The metal used for Bidri work is a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver.

We have carved a niche as a trustworthy Bidri Work suppliers and Bidriware exporters based in Karnataka, India. Our offered range of bidri crafts are flower vases, trays, plates, cups, saucers, miniature paintings, idols, decorative items, and jewelry boxes. The price of this bidri crafts is determined by the intricacy of the designs. Our clients can buy from an array of choices depending upon their taste and budget.

The process of making products in accordance to the Bidri art form involves a number of steps. These are detailed as under.

Casting the alloy: A mould is prepared out of a mix of resin, castor oil, and soil. Molten metal alloy of zinc and copper, taken in the ratio of 16:1, is poured into this mould. Based on the product design, various metal castings may have to be welded together in order to get the final single product.

Buffing:The rough surface of the mould is filed in order to give it a smooth texture

Drawing the design:In order to obtain a temporary black hue, copper sulphate is applied on the shiny surface. This way, the craftsmen find it easier to draw neat, clear designs. A metal stylus is used for etching the design on to the surface of the mould

Engraving the design:With the help of a chisel, the design is carved out

Inlaying:Inlay work depends on the design and is of two types- wire work or sheet work. Wires or sheets of pure silver are hammered on to the engraved grooves with precision. The surface is then buffed and smoothened so that there is no extra silver jutting out. Once the product has been completely filed, the entire surface regains its white appearance. At this point, the silver inlay work is hardly visible

Oxidizing:This is something unique to the Bidri art form. Soil from the Bidar Fort is mixed with boiling water and ammonium chloride in order to get a solution. On applying this solution to the surface of the product, the zinc-copper alloy turns jet black but the silver engravings remain unaffected. This black color is permanent and there is no risk of it fading away

The Bidriware designs are usually patterns such as the Asharfi-ki-booti, stars, vine creepers and stylized poppy plants with flowers.Traditional designs of Bidri Crafts include the Persian Rose and passages from the Quran in Arabic script.