Silver Filigree from Orissa (Tarakasi)

Tarakasi, or silver filigree form Cuttack region of Orissa is one of the most exquisite renditions of silver craft in the entire nation. It is the most exported art of the Cuttack region. Jewelry is such a fascinating thing for females that unwillingly it draws everyone’s attention.

In some recent past, the trend of fashion jewelry has gained a lot of attention which has led to the popularity of old traditional art forms used for creating jewelry. People are going towards traditional forms of art as now it lures them to a great extent. The reason lies not only in its unique designs which add to the style statement of the person but also the low cost which can be easily afforded by all. Its cost is basically low due to the main reason that it’s been developed in the villages where people don’t charge more for the labor and art and they are so fast to create it due to their long practice.  Tarakasi is a process in which beaten silver is drawn into fine wires and foils which are then brought up and designed together to create jewelry of an exquisite beauty. In past some Royal households were known to be the only customer of the glazed filigree works of Cuttack. It is basically building the piece bit by bit, by joining hair thin silver wires. The workmanship here is similar to that done in Indonesia and it is these cross-cultural relationships and labor exchange as well as the taste of jewelry which may have introduced this wonderful art to India. Since silver utensils play a significant part in family life and religious rituals, some beautiful filigree works bear their mark on the silver utensils available in various markets of the state as well as the nearby territories. It’s an ancient art believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and Egypt and spread to Asia around the 2500 BC. Indian and Greek filigree still have similar patterns and processes to this day; perhaps an evidence of common influence. Today, more than hundred families in Cuttack, Orissa, are engaged in this craft. Locally known here as “Cuttacki tarkasi”, the silver filigree of Orissa is world renowned for its delicate artistry and brilliant craftsmanship. If we try to understand the things that can be created from filigree art, then jewelry is just one part of the creation which is made with filigree. Apart from this, there are many other fascinating and beautiful things created using filigree like decorative animals, inscriptions for temples, replicas for temples and idols of gods and goddesses. Some regular used household items like vermilion containers, spoon and bowl for first meal of a new born and betel nut boxes are also given a graceful design by converting them in beautiful designs using silver filigree. Nowadays, a wide variety of filigree jewelry mainly consisting of brooches, hairpins, and earrings are available in the local markets which are greatly loved by people around as it’s a very beautiful example of craftsmanship. Apart from Orissa, the art of filigree is also famous in states of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. In Andhra Pradesh, some very old villages are constant workmen’s of filigree. The females in these states love to embellish themselves with filigree jewelry on festive occasions going with its very beautiful design and sculpture that makes them feel royal and graceful.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarakasi