Pembarthi Metal Craft are goods made of brass, carved out of hand by the Vishvakarmas or metal workers based in Pembarthi village in Telangana. The village has a rich heritage of producing handcrafted brass item, including idols, figurines, utensils, and decorative pieces. The forging of the craft employs the age-old traditions handed over delicately from one generation to another.
Normally the metal craft work is made of pure brass. For certain pure decorative items silver coating is given upon the brass ware. Further, for purely ornamental purpose, in certain brass ware such as the ‘Gungalum’ copper sheets are to a limited extent attached to the brass ware. For certain metal craft works such as ‘Mahara Thoranams’ Temple Kalasam, Temple Kridams, Temple Pooja Items and other purely Temple Utility Items, Silver is used instead of brass.
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Pembarthi metal craft is one of the finest and most ancient crafts of India, dating back to more than 5000 years. The perfection that the craft attained can be traced back to the grandeur and glory of the Kakatiya Kingdom. The brilliance of the craftsmanship is evident from the magnificent Vimanas, Utsav Vigrahas, Keerthi mukha and pinnacles which adorn many famous temples in South India.
The splendor and glory of Kakatiya rule gradually gave way to the Nizam’s supremacy which brought about a change in the art ware of Pembarthi. In view of which the Vishwakarmas in the Nizam period designed and crafted articles of home use and decorative items such as Pandans, Nagardans, Itar pots, Sangaridans.
The method of production of Pembarthi Metal Craft involves the following six steps:
- Preparation of Lakka : Lakka forms the platform which will be used for the purpose of carving and designing. The Lakka is prepared by boiling 1kg of resin with 250 ml of groundnut oil and 1kg of Bangalore tiled dust (which in local parlance is called, “Peel matti”).
- Fixing : The brass metal sheet is then placed on the Lakka, wherein the metal sheet becomes ready for use by the craftsmen.
- Drawing : The craftsmen draw the required sketch of the figures of Gods or Goddesses or such other design as per requirement. The sketch so prepared is then placed over the metal sheet and it serves as an outline for the craftsmen to commence his carving. After carving the parts are joined together.
- Acid Cleaning: After completion of drawing, the metal sheets so carved are ready for acid cleaning. During this process a mixture of nitric acid, sulphuric acid and tamarind paste are applied to the brass metal to give it a neat and clean look.
- Filing : Once the meal craft is cleaned, it is then filed on the edges. Filers are used for the filling of the sharp edges and joints. The filing helps in giving the craft an alignment and helps in shaping of the craft.
- Buffing / Polishing: Kamal bar or rose bar is used for buffing and giving the shining look for the metal crafts. The shinning of the metal adds to the value of the craft. After finishing, the metal sheet will be fixed on the ply wood pasted with decolam and brass nails.
The range of goods produced vary from all type of intricate brass ware, temple pooja and utility items, temple utsavas, vigaras etc., household items & containers, decorative items, wall hangings and panels and a wide range of goods.
GI Tag Registration Date : 06 October 2010
GI Tag Number : 194
Certificate Number : 143
Geographical Area : Telangana
Special Cover Release Date : 20 December 2021
Cancellation : Hyderabad GPO 500 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : TS/33/2021
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