SILVER
FILIGREE – ART & CULTURE
News:
Cuttack’s silver filigree
gets GI tag
What's
in the news?
●
The famous silver filigree (Rupa Tarakasi)
of the millennium Cuttack city in Odisha recently received the geographical
indication (GI) tag.
Rupa
Tarakasi:
●
It is one of the most exquisite silver crafts.
●
This centuries-old, sophisticated craft is
practiced in the silver city of Cuttack,
Odisha.
Origin:
●
While the exact origin of the filigree art
in Cuttack is not clear, it is known to have existed as far back as the 12th
century.
●
The art form received considerable
patronage under the Mughals.
●
Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned
through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree took on a new form
with each.
Process:
●
In this work of craft, silver bricks are transformed into
thin, fine wires (tara) or foils, from which silver filigree is made with all
designs (kasi).
●
While different grades of silver are used
in the main metal alloy, the craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc,
cadmium, and tin.
●
The artists involved with this filigree
work are called “Rupa Banias” or
“Roupyakaras” (in Odia).
●
This craftsmanship extends to creating
various items, including jewellery worn by Odissi dancers, decorative
artifacts, accessories, and religious and cultural pieces.