Thanjavur Art Plate

The Thanjavur art plates from Tamil Nadu is an exquisite product of the artisans of Thanjavur. With its sheer beauty and vigour of its style, it occupies a pride of place among the showpieces adorning elegantly furnished houses. Thanjavur art plates, made of copper and brass with motifs from Hindu mythology are encrusted in silver against a finely engraved background. Figures and designs are made in wax and then cast with lead which acts as the primary mold. A thin brass sheet which fits to the mold acts as the final detailed mold for the finishing work.This art of engraving and embossing beautiful figures and images of different sizes and shapes on metal mainly silver and fixing them on brass or copper plates requires the co-operation of three experts. The tools required for this craft are the base board, the hammers, the punches and chisels. Thanjavur art plates have a unique appeal due to its manual dexterity,skilled craftsmanship and elegance.