Silver Inlay Works (Bidiriware)
The bidri art of engraving & inlay came from Paersia & handed down to Indian Craftsmen during the reign of the Bahamani dynasty about 400 years ago. Though derived frim Persian art ‘Bidri’ is purely an Indian innovation in that the basic material used is an alloy of zinc in place of copper used by Persians. Bidri derives its name from Bidar a town in Karnataka Bidri is cast with an alloy of zinc, copper & other non ferrous metal and beautiful designs are engraved with grooving chisel & than inlaid with pure silver wire which is then polished with a buffing machine. The product is then dopped in a solution prepared out of the soil of fort of Bidar which has special oxiding properties. The silver is not affected by this magical soil treatment but the zinc alloy turns lustrous black. And contracts with beautifully with the silver designs. The products range from small giftware items like boxes, goblets & hookas, cosmetic boxes, ashtrays bangles etc. To maintainits luster the articles may be rubbed with oil once a year to prevent the silver from tarnishing or cleaned with jewel cleaning lotions.