Silver Filigree - Cuttack, Orissa
First, hand-drawn sketches of the designs are made. The process starts with the heating of raw silver and converting them into a silver rod. The rod is then passed through a wire-drawing machine, and a cross-section of silver rods is pulled to extend the length and reduce the cross-section. In Cuttack, silver wire is used to get the flat section of pulled wire is widely used. The size of the wire is based on the product being made. Thin wires are then pressed using manual tools to make them straight.
Thick wires are used to make the outer frame or rib of the product.
After making, the frame is matched on the reference sketch to check its correctness of size and shape. The frame is then soldered and cooled in plain water.
The smaller articles are directly moulded into various designs. For larger ones, smaller components are made and pieced together. Once the frame is ready, the real filigree work starts within the frame.
Thin wires are rolled or folded or twisted using a pair of tweezers, depending on the design and fitted inside the interspaces within the frame to complete the design. The distinction comes from the contrast of the thick ribs, against the fine granular surfaces, bringing out the exquisite artistry of the design.
The design is then hammered to make it flat and uniform. Silver dust and borax powder is sprinkled on the piece before soldering.
The finished piece is heated and cooled. The final touches of filing, polishing and finishing are done to attain luster.
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