The metal craft of Andhra Pradesh has a rich variety and has a rich tradition of metal craft. The artisans of Andhra Pradesh use different metals including brass, alloy, silver etc for creating metal wares that have a huge impact on human fancy. The elegant creations carry the theme of ancient legends and are extensively used in plaques, containers, vases and other items.
The metal craft of Andhra Pradesh has a trenchant style that is viewed in the different forms of creations as well as its varying craftsmanship. One of the most famed metal crafts of Andhra Pradesh is Bidri craft which originated in Bidar, a district of the Bahmani kingdom founded in the 14th century. This craft is said to be the amalgamation of the Mughal and Iranian culture. As the exquisite beauty of Bidri craft had a beguiling effect on the mind of the then Sultans who decided to incorporate this craftsmanship in Indian traditional crafts also brought the master artisans from Iran and employed in the job of furnishing and decorating the royal palaces and havelis. Hailing from the city of Hyderabad, the metal craft basically involves exquisite silver inlay on metals. There are many legends related to its entry and exit into the country and then to Andhra Pradesh. The basic material used in Bidri ware is an alloy of zinc and copper and the designs are engraved on the created items in pure silver. The craft of Bidri needs to follow a series of procedures and when the article is prepared finally it is given the glitz of a proper metallic look. The exclusive instances of Bidri craft are found in statues, carvings, pots, hookahs, trays, bowls etc which are found in abundance in Andhra Pradesh.
The metal craft of Andhra Pradesh is spotted for the brass works that are available in many forms of creations of Pembarti. The craftsmen of this place create spectacular handmade items out of brass sheet. Apart from these, the artisans provide an outstanding look to the figurines, elegant vases in fascinating shapes and other items that are worth appreciation. The Bronze Castings are also examples of artistic exuberance of Andhra Pradesh. The famous bronze idols created with metals are based on the verses from the Shilpashastra which are termed as `dhyana`. These verses instruct the craftsmen about the physical measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics, symbolism maintaining the aesthetic appeal. Another excellence of artifacts of metal craft of Andhra Pradesh is the Budithi Brassware which is said to be originated from a small village called Budithi in central Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. This particular craftsmanship includes creating splendid shapes out of alloys involving the modern as well as antique styles.
Apart from creating traditional items out of metal, the metal crafts of Andhra Pradesh are praised for the tribal metal crafts. The Dokra metal craft is popular in the tribal belts of Andhra, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. Small figurines of horses, drummers, tribal deities and plaques are created from brass scrap with great elegance and artistry. Dokra castings generally comprise of home decoration accessories like lamp holders, lamps, chains, figures and various symbols of tribal folklore and religion, and exquisite tribal jewellery of ethnic Indian designs and patterns. The present market scenario has proved that the timeless heritage of beautifully shaped, ornamented and handcrafted products of Dokra are in great demand in domestic and foreign market because of it primitive simplicity and enchanting folk motifs.
Silver filigree work from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa is famous for its intricate designs made out thin silver wires. Objects are created with strips of silver, looped and in zigzag pattern by the proficient artisans of Andhra Pradesh. The delicate jali or trellis like design is achieved by using thin twisted silver wires. Animals and birds, dominated creative filigree work, which is also carried out to create trays, cigarette case, key chains and other decorative pieces.
The metal craft of Andhra Pradesh has a great variety in its form, usage of metals and designs. The artifacts are created keeping in mind the present demand of the market and the artisans along with the organisations that are involved with these craft making are taking necessary steps to promote these artistic excellence in the international market also.
