Meenakari Craft
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DD News
Context: During his visit to Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister of India gifted exquisite Indian handicrafts to the Thai Prime Minister and her spouse, including artifacts showcasing the traditional Meenakari craft.
About Meenakari Craft:
• What is Meenakari?
• Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal or ceramic surfaces with vivid colors and detailed patterns. It involves fusing coloured powdered glass onto surfaces at high temperatures to create intricate and durable designs.
• Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal or ceramic surfaces with vivid colors and detailed patterns.
• It involves fusing coloured powdered glass onto surfaces at high temperatures to create intricate and durable designs.
• Historical Origins
• Originated in Safavid Iran, perfected by Mughals in India. The word Meenakari is derived from Meena (heaven) and Kari (to do), meaning “placing paradise onto an object.” Introduced in India during the Mughal era, further refined in the 20th century with the help of Iranian artisans.
• Originated in Safavid Iran, perfected by Mughals in India.
• The word Meenakari is derived from Meena (heaven) and Kari (to do), meaning “placing paradise onto an object.”
• Introduced in India during the Mughal era, further refined in the 20th century with the help of Iranian artisans.
• Indian Regions Practicing Meenakari:
• Jaipur (Rajasthan): Renowned hub; known for red, green, and white Mughal-style motifs. Gujarat & Lucknow: Each region reflects its distinct local style.
• Jaipur (Rajasthan): Renowned hub; known for red, green, and white Mughal-style motifs.
• Gujarat & Lucknow: Each region reflects its distinct local style.
• Core Characteristics:
• Uses precious metals like gold and silver, sometimes copper or brass. Features geometric, floral, and animal patterns. Applied to jewelry, vases, figurines, crockery, decor, and even furniture. Finished products often exhibit a glassy, polished look with vibrant contrast. Combines traditional motifs with modern utility.
• Uses precious metals like gold and silver, sometimes copper or brass.
• Features geometric, floral, and animal patterns.
• Applied to jewelry, vases, figurines, crockery, decor, and even furniture.
• Finished products often exhibit a glassy, polished look with vibrant contrast.
• Combines traditional motifs with modern utility.