Meenakari - The Art of Enameling

          The Art of Enameling over metal surfaces and ornamenting the metal by intricate designs, Meenakariis a technique which travelled to India from Persia in the17th Century during the Mughal times. This classic technique of enameling is now mostly prepared in Rajasthan and few other North Indian regions.

Traditional Paan Leaf Minakari Set

At first, Meenakari was often overlooked, as this kind of work was only used as a backing for Kundan jewelry or other stone-studded jewelry. As a result, it allowed the people to wear those jewelries two-ways. As Kundan or when reversed as Meenakari. This technique has made its way into the making of artifacts as well, like – bowls, spoons, key chains, figures of deities and other handicrafts.

The process of Meenakaristarts with a designer (nakkash) who comes up with a design for the product. Then the design goes to the goldsmith (sonaar) who gives the product its basic form. After the product gets its form, it is time for engraving the design on to it and it is done by the engraver (chhatera). Then the intricate designs are filled with colorful enamel (Meena). The enamel colors that are used are made up of metal oxide mixed with finely crushed glass. The Meena is then placed in the furnace where the enamel fuses and hardens to become one with the surface. The product is then cleaned with a strong tamarind/lemon solution and polished.

Dancing Peacock Minakari Set

Each region that practiced Meenakari had its own variation of fashion and technique. Pink (gulabi meena) was a dominant color used in the Banaras region. Blue and green colored enamels were a specialty of Lucknow. Meenakari was predominant more in Jaipur, Rajasthan and here we had the most vibrant colors. 

This craft is passed down from generation to generation and it is quite rare to see that outsiders are allowed to acquire any knowledge of this craft. 

We have some gorgeous Meenakari Jewelry on our site and of course you are more than welcome to get your hands on them.

Have a superb JillMill Day!