Bikaner Usta Kala Craft
Gold Metal
History
Bikaner's Usta Kala, originating in the Mughal era, is renowned for its intricate gold embossing on camel hide, wood, and marble. Introduced by artisans brought to Bikaner by Raja Rai Singh in the late 16th century, this art form adorns structures like Junagarh Fort's Anup Mahal.
Raw Materials and Tools
Artisans use camel hide, wood, and marble as primary materials. Tools include fine brushes, often made from squirrel hair, for detailed painting, and specialized instruments for embossing and gold foil application.
Process
The process begins with tracing designs onto the surface. A paste of ground earthen pot sand, glue, and jaggery is applied to create embossed patterns. Once dried, gold foil is meticulously laid over these raised designs, followed by detailed painting to enhance the artwork.
Design and Color
Designs feature Mughal-inspired geometric and floral motifs, often incorporating vibrant colors like red, green, and blue alongside the gold embossing, reflecting the art's regal heritage.
Product Range
The product range encompasses decorative items such as lamp shades, vases, mirror frames, and traditional camel hide artifacts, showcasing the versatility of Usta Kala.
Additional Information
