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Rajasthan Shopper's Paradise

Metal Ware

The Metal Ware comprises of artistic brassware, enamelled, engraved and filigreed cut work on silver. Apart from jewellery, the silversmiths make beautiful boxes, trays small statues of Krishna, Ganesh, and ornamenta! birds, horses and elephants, enamelled as well as plain. Traditional silver articles like handas, spice bottles and baskets command sizeable export markets. Highly ornamented hilts and scabbards of swords and daggers are also crafted.

Brass enamelling is an art-form in itself with three different styles - chikan. maron and bictii. each with its own repertoire of traditional motifs and designs.

Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to highlight the engraving on beaten brassware.

Koftagari or damascene work is mostly practiced in Alwar and Jaipur. In this, one metal is encrusted into another in the form of inlaid wiring. Popular articles include swords, daggers, paper knives and shields.