Handmade in India

CHANDI TARKASHI - SILVER FILIGREE
Production Clusters
Cuttack district:
Cuttack
Puri district:
Puri
Products
Ornaments:
Hairpins, Nosepins,
Earrings, Bangles,
Neck Chains, Toe
rings, Tie pins
Display items:
Chariot, Idols,
Konark wheel,
Animal figures, Taj
Mahal model.
Utility products:
Pen holders, Photo
frames, Cigarette
cases, Candle stands,
Ashtrays, Buttons,
Coat pins, Spoons,
Money purses
Tools
Chimta - tongs
Katuri - cutter
Hatudi - hammer
Bakunari - hollow
pipe
Kansuli - die for
silver balls
Jantil / Kitkira /
Dhalla - types of dyes
Seardi - small tongs
Lehi - paltform
Madhia - small
hammer
Moskala - metal knife
Ghadia - earthenware
pot
Sandosi - pair of
tongs
Chulla - earthen stove
File
Dibidi - oil container
Silver filigree is a craft for which Cuttack is
well known. The craftsmen, who belong to
the Sunar, goldsmith, community of Orissa,
practice the craft which was introduced in the
state during the Mughal rule. Thick silver
wires are used to the farma (frame) into
which the small sikko (design pieces) made
from thinner wires are fitted. The
carftsmanship lies in fitting the small parts
perfectly in the farma. Decorative and
elaborate motifs influenced by the Mughal
era have inspired the intricate designs
produced by craftsmen. They make jewellery
and decorative figures like idols of gods,
animals and replicas of the Konark wheel and
the Taj Mahal. Objects used in the home such
as photo frame, candle stands and cones to
serve paan, betel nut leaf, are also common
products. Sales of products increase during
festivals and they can otherwise be found
retailed in state and national emporia.
1. A metal die and pestle for shaping
silver sheet.
2. Pliers and cutting tools used by
silversmiths.
3. Container for serving paan, and edible
leaf with betel nut served after a meal.
4. Detail of silver filigree work.
The outer case of a ladies` purse in silver filigree.
Silver filigree serving dish.
Production Cluster
Puri district:
Puri
Balasore district:
Balasore
Khurda district:
Khandagiri
Bhubaneshwar
Jaipur district:
Sukhapada village
Products
Idols
Figures of apsaras
Figurines
Animal figures
Tools
Chisels
STONE CARVING
Boimara sandstone is abudently available in the
Lalitgiri hills, from where the craftsmen
themselves cut the stone. They carve sculptures
of deities and figurines. Most of the carved stone
figures are commissioned by temples from
surrounding villages. The styles are inspired by
the sculptures found in Konark, Bhubaneshwar,
the rock-cut caves of Khandagiri, Lalitgiri and
Udaygiri, preserving an ancient tradition in
Orissa. Figures of elephants and lions carved out
of stone are also a common sight at temple
entrances. Greater demand for ston idols now
comes from hotels and emporia.
1. Stone sculpture of Ardhanareeshwar which
signifies Shiva`s masculinity and Parvati`s
feminity as a unified force in the cosmos,
made in Puri.
2. Soft stone idol of Lord Krishna standing
under the kadamb tree.