| Popis: |
Bidri ware is inlaid Indian metalwork, made from a high-zinc alloy and characterized by its black surface colouring. The technique takes its name from the Deccan city of Bidar, though its origins are not known. The earliest pieces date from the late 16th or early 17th century and their style incorporates Deccani decorative elements. Mughal influence is also apparent, however, making it difficult to assign a provenance to pieces which are not usually inscribed. The technique reveals intriguing information: the zinc content is so high that it means metallic zinc was used in its manufacture. The early Indian source for zinc was Zawar in Rajasthan but the Deccani craftsmen may have found it more convenient to use Chinese zinc, bought from the much nearer Coromandel Coast ports. Analysis has been carried out on the surface coloration and, although replication experiments have been successfully carried out, it has not been possible to explain exactly how the metal changes colour. |
