Metal crafts of contemporary age have imparted a brand new facet to Indian metal crafts, catapulting it to new heights. Various forms of contemporary metal crafts are produced in numerous parts of the country, which have won national and international acclaim. In spite of the absence of royal patronage, contemporary Indian craft traditions have acquired the mantle of small-scale and cottage industry. Metal crafts of contemporary age comprise modifications to the existing crafts made from gold, silver, brass, copper and several other metals. Decorative handicrafts, jewelleries and innumerable utilitarian products indicate the deft craftsmanship of expert contemporary metal artisans of India.
Contemporary `Dokra` Metal Crafts
Flower vases, jugs, door handles, bells, lamps, key holders, mobile holders and pen stands are some of the beautiful Dokra metal crafts of India. These products have underdone massive modernization to suit the demands of modern customers. Ornamental tribal and animal figures, candle stands, treasure chests, images of Hindu deities like those of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu and others, miniature replicas of human heads and kings are a few of the vast number of Dhokra metal crafts which are popular in India. Dhokra art jewelleries are immensely favoured throughout the nation.
The districts of Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Burdwan and Midnapore in West Bengal are famous for their Dokra crafts. Chhatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa are the other parts of India which make contemporary Dokra metal crafts.
Contemporary Gold and Silver Metal Crafts of India
Gold metal crafts have been produced in India since many centuries. Indians are quite fond of silver and gold metals since ancient ages. Gold and silver enamelled artefacts like finger bowls, wine-cups, pill boxes, jewelleries and several other handicrafts are the contemporary gold metal crafts which are created in the country. Magnificent `zardosi` embroidered garments, which utilise fine threads of copper, polished with silver or gold are sought after gold crafts of India. Allahabad, Lucknow and Kashmir are some of the Indian states which are capable of creating exemplary contemporary gold and silver products.
Contemporary Bell Metal Crafts of India
Kitchenware items like utensils, home decoration products and other domestic utilitarian artefacts comprise contemporary bell metal crafts of India. Bell metals are so named since they are used to make `ghantas` or metal bells for temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Many portions of Orissa and local communities of Lohar and Agaria based in Raigarh, Bastar, Mandla, Betul and Sarguja produce contemporary bell metal crafts.
Contemporary Brass Metal Crafts of India .
Today areas of Mirzapur and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh are renowned for their beautiful, contemporary brassware of India. Ornamental brass metal crafts, as well as domestic products like bowls, trays, pots and other items, embedded with intricate etching are available here. Varanasi makes brass sculptures of Hindu deities and household artefacts. Brass is also used in the production of vases, tumblers, water containers, ornamented spittoons, food cases, bells, candle stands, kerosene lamps, picnic carriers and a large variety of lamps. The most adored items are swords, daggers and shields.
Contemporary Copper Metal Crafts of India
Electroplated copper products are manufactured in Kerala, Orissa, Assam, Kashmir, Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh like Moradabad and Varanasi are well known centres which craft contemporary copper products.
Contemporary Bidri Metal Crafts of India
Bidri candle stands, trays, bowls, plates and jewelleries are some of the innumerable Bidri crafts created in this country. The term`Bidri` is derived from Bidar town, located in Karnataka. Lucknow, Murshidabad, Hyderabad and Karnataka create contemporary Bidri metal crafts. The craft consists of surface ornamentation with gold or silver inlay, wherein the base colour of the crafts is black.
Contemporary Enamelled Metal Crafts of India
Different types of metal enamelled crafts are made in Jaipur, Varanasi and Lucknow. Metal enamelled trinket boxes, trays, Hindu deities like Lord Ganesha and animal figures are the enamelled metal crafts of India.
Contemporary Indian craft emerged with the progression of time, and it has improved its technique of artistry. India boasts of skilled metal artisans who belong to various Indian states, and are adept in crafting excellent masterpieces of brass, copper, silver, gold and bidriware. These items are engraved with contemporary designs which are in high demand even amongst tourists. Metal ornamentation is implemented in different products in this country, which include Bidri work and metal enamelling. Bihar, Kashmir, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Orissa specialise in various metal crafts.