Thanjavur district is famous for various arts and crafts like 'Thanjavur dancing doll', 'Thanjavur paintings' and 'Thanjavur art plates'. The traditional Thanjavur art plate is done by using various raw materials. Basic raw materials are copper, brass, bronze and silver. The metals like brass for the base plate and embossed copper and silver figures embedded on the same. The unique metal work of Thanjavur consists of several stages such as shaping, engraving, embossing and final finishing. Base plate is made out of brass sheets, thin copper sheets and silver sheets. Asphalt is required for the base board. Hammers are used for hammering. Chisels used for chiseling. Compass used for measurement. Weight is used to place on the plate. Coal used as fuel. Cutting plair is used to cut/hold the metal. Needle is used while working with the metal beads. Forceps- metal holders used to carry the hot metal objects. Bhatti- furnace used as a blower for burning purpose. A square metal solid box with grooves used to create metal circular beads used for decoration. Glue is used for fixing the embossed metal motifs. Soapnut powder (locally called as shikakai) and tamarind paste is used for washing purpose. Brush made of coir is used while cleaning the metal plate.

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