TARQASHI
CRAFT CLUSTER FROM RAJASTHAN, INDIA.
TARKASHI, A TECHNIQUE of inlaying fine flattened wire of brass, copper or silver in wood, is practiced by the Jangid community who migrated from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh to Jaipur about 45 years ago. Dark coloured and seasoned sheesham wood is used as its high oil content allows the inlaid metal to be held securely. The patterns, usually geometric forms or florals of Mughal inspiration, are drawn on the wood and then engraved with a half round chisel and hammer to a depth of 1 mm. Thin strips are cut from sheet metal, heated over a flame, cooled to remove the temper in the strip and straightened; the resultant metal wire is beaten into the previously created grooves with a hammer. Small coiled dot-like forms called bhiriyan, an element unique to tarkashi, are beaten directly into wood. After the surface is evened with a sander, or silli, fine sheesham sawdust mixed with diluted adhesive is applied over the entire surface until all the gaps are filled. The object is then planed, sanded with a water based emery paper and machine buffed to give it a smooth polish.