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Metal craft of Kerala include a vast variety of items including exclusive jewelery, Lamp Stands, Flower Vases etc that are found in astounding luster and intricate works of art. The metal craft in Kerala has gained its popularity due to the availability of raw materials and the accessibility of proficient craftsmen.
The metal craft of Kerala includes creating Charakku which is made of bell-metal and is one of the largest cooking vessels. These vessels are used on ceremonial occasions to prepare `payasam` (sweet dish made out coconut milk) in large quantities. The surface of the Charakku is made up of old gold tint which maintains its original colour and luster and does not require any kind of polishing or tinning. Moreover, the artisans of Kerala are deft in making idols of gods and goddesses etc with different metals. The beautiful oil lamps and the Aranmula metal mirror are the distinctive examples of the metal craft of Kerala and these are praised in the Indian Territory for its intricate designs and usage of lustrous metals.
The metal crafts of Kerala have an aesthetic appeal among other traditional arts. An old time industrial craft which has acquired an epitome of perfection in the progression of time is crafts made out of Bell-metal. Some exclusive designs are found in the items like the artistic lamps of Bell metal that include Greek lamp or `Changalavatta`, the `Archana lamp`, the `Arati Dipa` which are admired by the local people as well as the tourists. Another metal craft of Kerala can`t be ignored is the Aranmula metal mirror work which is made of an alloy of copper and tin and resembles the glass mirror in every point of utility. Trivandrum in Kerala is said to be the centre where the `Koftagari` work is displayed widely in the forms of figures of deities, landscapes, floral designs and beautifully created articles.
The dexterous creations of metal crafts of Kerala by the artisans demonstrate sense of chaste aesthetics and harmony with a proper sense of Indian tradition. The `urlis`, oil cans, tumblers and jugs, jewel boxes, lime jars, `paan` boxes with beautiful finishing are the examples of the creative opulence that catches the fancy. Sometimes the artisans of Kerala use metallic designs in wood crafts though it is very rare.
The metal crafts of Kerala have a different touch of ethnicity in their creation for the land is the core of cultural affluence. The artistry of the craftsmen of Kerala is the paradigm of the all pervading beauty and creativity in all aspects of life.
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