http://www.indianetzone.com/18/history_indian_jewellery.htm

http://www.indianetzone.com/18/history_indian_jewellery.htm

http://www.indianetzone.com/18/history_indian_jewellery.htm

http://www.indianetzone.com/18/history_indian_jewellery.htm

Meenakari, Mughal Art in

Meenakari is basically an ancient form of art in India that has been praised since its introduction for the superb designs and combination of colours. From the prime age of this craft, the artisans were named as `meenakar` who were involved in creating different Meenakari items. In some work, the entire object, such as pendant, is covered with this exclusive technique. On a typical pair of `kara` bangles with three-dimensional `makara`, elephant, lion or bird head terminals, additionally decorated with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, as they often were, is a dazzlingly opulent object that embodies a galaxy of goldsmith arts. A special type is `ek rang khula mina`, in which single-colour transparent enamel fills all engraved area, leaving gold outlines exposed around figural details. `Pachrangi mina` (five-colour enamel) is a special multicoloured style of enamelling. The five colours used are `safed` (opaque white), `fakhtai` (opaque light blue) from `fakhta` (a dove), `khula nila` (transparent dark blue), `khula sabz` (transparent green), `khula lal` (transparent red).




History of Meenakari


Meenakari is the art of decorating metal with enamelling. It was introduced by the Mughals though originated in Persia. Raja Man Singh of Amber brought this art to Rajasthan. He invited skilful meenakars from the Mughal palace at Lahore and established them in Jaipur, which became the centre of Meenakari later on in India. Meenakari design needs a high degree of skill and techniques. Colours like red, green and white, dominate this art of enamelling. Nathdwara, Bikaner and Udaipur are the famous centres for silver Meenakari. Pratapgarh is known for glass enamelling. Delhi and Varanasi are also important centres for exclusive Meenakari designs. In India, Meenakari work has developed in the places like Punjab and Lucknow including the other Meenakari centres of India.




Techniques of Meenakari Art


The design for the Meenakari in India is made on the metal surface by the craftsmen called `chitras`. The design is engraved by the `gharias` such that depressions are created. Sometimes the Meenakari is combined with the art of `Kundan` to make the created articles an amalgamation of enamelling and stone carving. After the design is created the enameller applies different colours with brushes on the engraved design. The base is first covered by white or pink enamel, upon which different colours are applied in order of their hardness. It is then heated to enhance the richness of the colours. `Gulabi mina` (pink enamel) is derived from `gulab` (rose) which has been popularly associated with the Varanasi enamelling style. It includes areas of painted enamel, generally flowers, executed in translucent pink on an opaque white ground. All other enamelled areas on the object are created in the `champleve` style, which makes this a mixed style of enamelling. The technique requires at least five separate enamel applications.




When a single transparent coloured enamel is used to fill the ground around an opaque figure, various colour of ground like `lal zamin` (transparent red ground), `sabz zamin` (transparent green ground), `nil zamin` (transparent blue ground) are chosen to contrast with and set off that of the subject. `Bandh mina khaka` (opaque cartouche or outline) is a technique in which the figure in transparent colour is surrounded by an opaque enamel cartouche. The object when ready is polished and cleaned. Generally hand burnishes are used to cover any exposed metal.




Forms of Meenakari Art


Besides jewellery other items which were known for their Meenakari work were various shaped huqqas, pandans, flasks, sprinklers and a lot more.




Huqqas were a favourite item for the Meenakari Artists. Various hues and ambitious designs were used in the Meenakari Art which was part of the huqqas. Different shaped huqqas with the engraved Meenakri work were made during the Mughal period.




Pandan is another piece of art work which sees profuse use of meenakari work. Pandans of the Mughal era are found in all the three metals namely gold, silver and copper.




In conclusion it can be said that both silver and gold metals are used as the base for Meenakari work in India. At present time, Meenakari is done in the metals like silver and copper to suit the need and style of the modern people. In addition to the jewelleries and other items, the Meenakars create exclusive items that serve the decorative purpose. The items that are created with amazing artistry include Meenakari bowl set, chowki set, Hand Casted Meenakari Chowki with White alloy metal, Meenakari arm chair, Meenakari almirah, Meenakari roman chair, Meenakari gun box cum seater, utility box thrones, dining set, decorative frames, key holder, photo frames, ash trays, pen holder etc.

Maintenance of Silver Jewellery

1. Do not store silver with other metals or in jewellery box; always store it in a plastic zip bag.2. Moisture and oxidization can tarnish the metal.3. Do not leave silver jewellery to touch bare wood.4. Silver jewellery should clean with soft cloth.5. In order to remove dirt from silver jewellery use liquid soap and soft bristled brush.6. Silver is a soft metal. Even heavy silver ring will bend while lifting objects so while doing such works remove it off.

Maintenance of Platinum Jewellery

1. In order to clean your platinum jewellery, first add few drops of liquid soap in warm water, mix it well. Dip it in the solution and then take a soft cloth and wipe it gently over the surface of your jewellery after rubbing for few minutes you will be finding clean jewellery.2. While buying platinum jewellery look for markings 950 Plat, 950 Pt, Pt950, Plat, 900 Pt, Pt900 or 900Plat, will assure the quality of your platinum. These markings refer the percentage of platinum used in the piece.3. Keep your platinum jewellery away from other jewellery (it does not damage other jewellery or get scratched).4. Polish and clean your platinum jewellery twice a year by a professional jeweler.5. If you find any scratches in your platinum jewellery ask your jeweler to remove it

Maintenance of Diamond Jewellery

1. Keep your diamond jewellery in a separate box, in order to avoid it from scratches.2. Avoid direct contact of perfumes.3. While doing household works remove your diamond jewellery.4. Clean your diamond jewellery regularly to retain its shine.5. Dip your diamond jewel into the glass filled with vodka, take it after sometime and dry it with soft cloth.6. Drop your diamond jewellery into warm water with liquid soap and take a toothbrush, clean it softly.

Maintenance of Gold Jewellery

1. Safeguard your jewellery from scratches, sunlight, extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals. While swimming avoid wearing jewels. The chlorine in water can damage your gemstone and gold. Gemstone may become loose in its location.2. Store your jewellery separately in order to prevent from scraping with other jewellery.3. Remove your jewellery while doing household works like gardening and cleaning etc.4. Wear your jewellery after applying makeup and hair spray.5. Do not store your jewellery next to window-sill, car dashboard or heating vent.6. Do not store your jewellery in sunlight, it may fade the gemstone.7. Store your bead necklaces flat in order to prevent from damages.8. Clean your jewellery with pumpkin juice to keep it bright forever.9. Proper maintenance on jewellery is very essential in order to prevent from prongs or pearls restrung.10. While buying a gold jewellery one should looke for its “Karat” mark, it determines the percentage of pure gold in it.