The Rustic
Our Rustic is an authentic handcrafted Bidriware which is a traditional art form from Bidar, Karnataka, India. A 500 year old metal art form is Persian in origin and is a mix of Turkish, Persian and Arabic influences, but purely Indian innovation intermingled with local style from which a unique craft form was born. This art of engraving and inlaying is handed down by generations and is exclusive to Bidar.
Bidriware is a symbol of elegance, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship. This unique metalcraft is made using a special alloy of zinc and copper, with designs meticulously handcrafted and inlaid with pure silver. The unique aspect of the Bidriware craft is the soil used to ornament the items. This soil collected by the artisans from the inner areas of the Bidar Fort, which is not exposed to rain or sunlight for centuries and contain ingredients that give a lustrous black color to Bidriware.
​
The hallmark of Bidriware lies in its deep, oxidized black finish, achieved through a traditional process that involves treating the metal with this special soil of Bidar Fort. This technique enhances the contrast between the silver inlays and the dark background, creating a stunning visual appeal.
At our store, we take pride in offering authentic Bidri metalwork, celebrating the fusion of heritage and contemporary design. Our curated collection showcases the beauty of this ancient craft, making it accessible to art lovers and collectors worldwide. Whether for home décor or gifting, Bidriware remains a timeless expression of artistry and tradition.​
History:
The exquisite Bidri craft, with its origins in Persia, developed in the 14th and 15th century C.E. during the rule of the Bahamani Sultans. It is said to be brought to India by the followers of Khwaja Muinuddin Chisty in the 12th century. Artisans came all the way from Persia (present day Iran). Sultan Ahmed Shah was impressed by their skill and gathered them to teach local artisans.
India during the 6th and 7th centuries Gupta period did have impressions of the Buddha in metal, with copper and silver inlay work; as well as the bronzes of 7th century to 10th century from Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and the Jain bronzes from Western India from 6th to 10th century. Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jain metal images from Eastern India, Central India and Deccan too have had inlay work which goes to prove that the craft of inlay was well-known in the Indian subcontinent since years and thus with the Persian influence a new art-form was developed know as “Bidriware” to us.
The term ‘Bidriware’ or ‘Bidri’ is derived from ‘Bidar,’ which is a small town in Karnataka, India.
Significance:
Traditionally, Bidri art has been used to craft exquisite home decor, jewelry, vases, trays, and decorative collectibles. Each piece is a testament to the skill and dedication of artisans who have preserved this craft for generations. Recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Bidriware is not just an art form but a cultural treasure of India.
The beauty of the aesthetic designs and patterns etched in silver against the deep black color makes the products appealing to the eye and draws a large number of consumers world-wide.
​​
​
The Crafting Process:
The process of shaping a Bidriware product undergoes several stages like molding, smoothening, designing, engraving, inlaying, buffing and oxidizing or blackening the alloy.
The basic material from which the objects are crafted are an alloy of zinc, copper and lead. The mixture of zinc and copper is in the ratio of 16:1.
The casting is done in molds which are covered with a mixture of wax and resin of red clay, supported by stops. The molten metal is poured in after the wax is melted out. The object to be made is polished on a lathe with a chisel or file.
Beautiful designs are carved on metals, and thereafter thin silver wires are hand etched on a zinc-based metal. The final polish is achieved with sandpaper, charcoal and coconut oil.
