Design Resource
Art Plate
The Crafts from Thanjavur
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baralwith J. Antony William
Making Process
The unique metal work of Thanjavur consists of several stages such as shaping, engraving, embossing and final finishing. The Thanjavur art plate is mainly done on brass sheet, silver and copper. Initially, the sheet is pressed with the moulding machine to attain a plate like shape. The plate is then gently beaten with hammer - Suthiyal to obtain depth. Once it is beaten the metal plate is filled with burning charcoal and fixed on a wooden base over the lac. Due to heat generated by metal sheet, the lac melts and allows the plate to be fixed on it. The charcoal is removed and the plate is again pressed with heavy weight placed on it. The excess melted lac is removed and the engraving work is started on it. The artisan now starts the engraving work on the plate by marking the design which is to be carved by hammering. The center part of plate is decorated by circular bowl-shaped beads which are made of copper and brass. These beads are fixed on the platethrough hammering process. Embossing work is done separately with thin copper and metal sheets. These sheets are placed over the moulds and gently beaten in to the grooves. Once the sheet takes the shape and design of mould, then it is filled with natural glue and melted. The glue filling is done to obtain embossed look. These designed silver and copper sheets are fixed on the brass metal sheet. The art plate is embellished in floral and Hindu mythological motifs. The plate is finally cleaned with a mixture made of tamarind, soapnut and coal powder to attain shine and luster. After washing, the plate is kept for drying.
