Bidriware is the darling of art connoisseurs. It is purely Indian Innovation of 500 years old Persian craft. This craft is exclusive to Bidar, capital city of Bahamanis in the 16th century and then known as “Mecca” for artisans from all over the civilised world. Architects, artisans and scholars came from China in the east and fused their styles with the traditional local art. Like many artistic crafts, Bidriware also appears to have been brought into existence as a result of this successful blend.
Bidriware is cast with an alloy of zinc, copper and other non-ferrous metals. Pretty patterns are engraved on the casting and inlaid with pure silver wire. The casting is then soaked in a solution mixed with the soil of Bidar fort which has special oxidising properties. This causes the zinc alloy to turn a lustrous black, leaving the silver inlay intact to contrast stunningly with the black background.

 

Types of Bidriware-   Vases, Goblets, boxes, statues, plates, trays, hookahs, bowls, animal figures, stationery, ear rings, jewellery

 

Maintenance-  To maintain the silver shine on Bidriware, use silver polish. To regain black lustre, apply coconut oil and polish with soft cloth.