Comparison of Decorations on Arms and non-Arms Objects

[Gavin Nugent]

Here is a relevant discussion posted but Jens some time back.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=sikh

I am sure there are many other threads worth posting here, if you find them, drop them in.

Gav

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all,
It is difficult to allocate importance to one thread or another, however, I believe this sticky is a vital and extremely relevant addition. Im puzzled that it has squillions of hits but only a few trusted stalwarts adding letters. I for one will be adding lots of stuff here since it is the ideal vehicle to record millions of useful decorative techniques.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams all,
It is difficult to allocate importance to one thread or another, however, I believe this sticky is a vital and extremely relevant addition. Im puzzled that it has squillions of hits but only a few trusted stalwarts adding letters. I for one will be adding lots of stuff here since it is the ideal vehicle to record millions of useful decorative techniques.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaams all ~

I have given this some thought and the more thought I give it the bigger becomes the potential for a very full document indeed ! I would suggest that the scope even only considering Islamic and Indian techniques and patterns is huge so that it should be in separate sections in no particular order viz;
1. Ceramics and Glass.
2. Caligraphy.
3. Metalwork (non arms).
4. Woodcarving and stonecarving.
5. Weaving, Rugs, Flatweaves, Needlework and Costumes.
6. Jewelery.
7. Arms.

Therefor I call upon moderator support for what could be a superb multi faceted resource.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Atlantia]

Continuing the comparisons of Indian decorative techniques.

Koftgari on steel and Bidri on oxidised copper can look superficially similar. But sometimes we see hilts etc where the silver overlay is more substantial, not exactly the usual Koftgari, more like thick applied shaped foils overlaying the base metal.

This is the only example of this technique that I've seen used on 'Bidriware'.
The base metal is a copper alloy which has been chemically oxidised black, the silver designs appear to be applied thick 'foils' giving a more '3d' effect than would usually be seen. This reminds me of several Tulwar hilts that I've had in the past (sadly no longer).

'Bidri' Pot is from my own collection.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Continuing the comparisons of Indian decorative techniques.

Koftgari on steel and Bidri on oxidised copper can look superficially similar. But sometimes we see hilts etc where the silver overlay is more substantial, not exactly the usual Koftgari, more like thick applied shaped foils overlaying the base metal.

This is the only example of this technique that I've seen used on 'Bidriware'.
The base metal is a copper alloy which has been chemically oxidised black, the silver designs appear to be applied thick 'foils' giving a more '3d' effect than would usually be seen. This reminds me of several Tulwar hilts that I've had in the past (sadly no longer).

'Bidri' Pot is from my own collection.

Bidri work involves the carving/chiseling of surfaces as does Zar Buland.
My understanding is the Bidri applications are finished flush with the surface of the object and the Zar Buland is raised well above the surface.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by freebooter

Bidri work involves the carving/chiseling of surfaces as does Zar Buland.
My understanding is the Bidri applications are finished flush with the surface of the object and the Zar Buland is raised well above the surface.

Ah, good catch Gav,

A quick google found:
"Another variant of the bidriwork can be seen in Lucknow’s Zar Buland, where the ornamental designs are raised above the surface"

I didn't know the name for this variation of Bidri.
So what would the name be if the incised foils technique is used on steel?

Here's an interesting description of the process from a maker in India:

"One of the celebrated craft works in the deccan india, bidri of karnataka is one of the most famous arts.bidriware is an ancient art of india that dates back to 14th century - an era of affluent bahmani and baridi dynasties in bidar, karnataka. and it continues to flourish even today. with time the expertise has spread to other regions in india like uttar pradesh, bihar, and west bengal, but the heart of the art still lies in the same historic town. artisans living in bidar region have treasured this rare craftsmanship for centuries. you can find the streets of bidar bustling with incredibly beautiful handicraft of bidriware - a magnificent symbol of prosperity and artistic taste.

The bidri skill and technique came to india in the 14th century from iran or persia of that time. sultan ahmed shah wali was enchanted with beauty of this unique work and decided to bring the form to india. he persuaded the master artisan abdullah bin kaiserand several other artisans to come to india. they carried on their mastery on the decorations of the royal places and havelis. more impressed, the sultan fell in love with the bidri style and organized training centers to enable the local artisan to learn the art. many talented craftsmen benefited from those training centers and they developed into masters of bidriware, spreading the art to every corner of the region.

Process of making bidriware.

The process of making bidriware is long, intricate, and enduring.the first step involves casting which is done in moulds of special soil of bidar. the red soil is made malleable by mixing caster oil and resin. once the mould is ready, the molten alloy of zinc and copper is poured into the mold. and then the article is smoothened with files and scrapes.

Next step involves a black coating and designing. the design is etched free hand first and later sharp and small chisels are used to carve out the design. it requires ultimate control over carving to fuel life into the designs. the designs range from flowers, creepers, geometric patterns, to human figures.

Once the design is carved out fine wires or sheets of silver are gently hammered into the chiseled design pattern. other steps like filing and polishing follow to give a silky smooth look to the object.

The final step involves permanent black coating on the entire surface of the object. again, the black coating is no ordinary. it is made by mixing soil, oil, and carefully chosen chemicals like ammonium chloride. it is this black coating that makes the silver patterns shimmer superbly through the dark background. the object is rinsed, polished with oil to deepen the black matt coating. this adds brilliance to the inlaid silver pattern and then it results into bidriware article."

Best
Gene

[Richard G]

Hello,
I am new here, so forgive me whilst I struggle with the mechanics of posting. I thought members might be interested to see an example of the the "spiral with leaves" pattern of decoration that is seen on so many Omani\UAE khunjars, and is often said to be associated with Nizwa, on an Indian brass tray.
Hope this works
Regards
Richard