Minakari
Enamelling may be described as the art coloring or ornamenting a metal
surface by fusing various mineral substances over it. In metal decoration,
enamelling is perhaps the most alluring and sophisticated. Earlier it was done
only on gold, but now it is done on silver, copper and brass. Many more colors
are attainable in gold and the lustre too is greater.
Jaipur was the enamelling centre ‘par excellence’ in the eighteenth and
ninteenth centuries. Enamelling is essentially a technique introduced by the
Mughals and is believed to originate from Iran. In Rajasthan, a hybird Mughal
and Hindu style was developed through interaction with the local communities.
The art of enamelling on silver and gold developed as a speciality in Lucknow. A vibrant translucent blue and green was used initially.To this was added the dusky rose-pink,yellow and oranges from the Iranian palette.Enamelling is conspicuously absent from the south indian jewellery as these states escaped Moghul influence
Enamelling,though done on precious metals initially is now also done on cheaper metals like copper and brass as well as on lac(a resin) resulting in more affordable jewwellery.
The metal part to be enamelled is engraved or blocked out and the enamel dust of the requisite color is poured into the grooves, then placed in a red hot furnace which melts and the colored liquid gets spread equally. It is then burnished with a wet stone resembling blue copper. In another method, wires are fastened by gum or welded to the surface. Yet another method is to paint the surface with silicated or fusible paint and give it a little heat to just melt the colors.
Enamelling is lavishly used in jewellery. Beads of many colors are made as ornaments. Delhi, Jaipur and Nathdwara in Rajasthan are main centres of enamelling. Enamelling on glass is done in Pratapgarh in Rajasthan.