The wonder of Meenakari boxes

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Meenakari is exquisite ornamental metalwork that is popular in Indian handicraft products. The Mughals brought the Meenakari artwork to India that was later given a distinct Rajasthani signature by Raja man Singh the ruler of Amber who brought specialized artisans or Meenakars from Lahore to produce Meenakari artifacts in Jaipur, gradually converting the city as a centre for Indian Meenakari work. Later the technique flourished in other parts of the State, with each centre specializing in a particular form of Meenakari work - Meenakars in Nathdwara, Bikaner and Udaipur for instance are known for their silver Meenakari works while Pratapgarh Meenakars are renowned for their Meenakari designs on glass surface. Outside Rajasthan, artisans in Delhi and Varanasi are also accomplished Meenakari designers.

Meenakari is the art of enameling metals. Gold and silver are popular metals that serve as the base for Meenakari work. The artisans apply a variety of colors, the most popular colors being red, white and green for enameling. For silver Meenakari works, the colors used are gold, blue, green and yellow whereas for Meenakari embellishment on gold the choice of color is vast. Recently I have come across a number of boxes decorated with Meenakari designs that look ravishingly beautiful. These boxes could be used as gift boxes, dry fruit boxes, jewelry boxes, bangles boxes and more. These wooden boxes have Meenakari work crafted on aluminum base.
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via:yesh handricraft