Filigree

Silver filigree work is a style unique in itself. This work involves pure silver which is put through a wire drawing machine. In olden days, the silver was beaten on an anvil and elongated into long wire by passing it through a steel plate with apertures of 36 wire gauges. Two of the thinnest wires are wound around the 'charkha' after heating. It is then flattened again to get it as thin as the single wire originally was. It is then bent to give it different shapes.

A filigree article is thus a combination of different parts pieced together. The space within the frame is filled with the main ribs of the design which are usually, stems, leaves, creepers etc. Articles in plain silver are also made in the shape of boxes, trays, bowls, spoons etc.

Orissa, where it is popularly known as 'Tarkashi' specializes in jewelry. 'Karim Nagar design' is a very complicated design, reflecting great skill and refined art. The perfume containers are a speciality of the place. Plates, bowls, water-pots, and tumblers too are made in this process. These items are highly ornamented.

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