Karimnagar is famous for Silver-Filigree

M. Srinivas · Guest

In Filigree work, twisted silver wire is the material, and the articles have the trellis-like appearance of jali which endows them with a rare charm.

The silversmith crimps thin strips of fine silver into zig-zag patterns and loops using it to fill up the ground of designs formed by thicker silver strips. The strips and fine silver are then deftly soldered, carefully avoiding the trellis-like Filigree pattern.

Leaves, flowers, trees, animals, and birds in the area of origin seem to be predominant. However, the versatility of the art is not restricted by tradition. The art has been extended from jewellery to other household articles like tea-trays, ornament containers, key chains and even cigarette boxes.

S. Prabhakar · Guest

Karimnagar DRDA - VELUGU is displaying Silver Filigree artefacts in Dubai Global Village (International Trade Festival - 12.01.05 To 12.02.05). In this Trade Festival around 83 countries are participating.

Amar · Guest

Silver Filigiri

The district of Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh has long been known for it's exquisite Silver Filigiri work. It is an extremely intricate craft that requires great patience and skill. Three types of styles are used in Silver Filigiri work. These patterns are called "meenakari", "khulla jaal" and "flowers & leaves". Entirely handmade, the silver used for this craft is of very high quality. The artisans of Karimnagar make a wide range of daily use articles such as pandans, trinket boxes, trays and Jewellery like necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Where to shop for Silver Filigiri :

1. Central Cottage Industries Emporium
94, Minerva Complex, S.D. Road, Sec'bad 500 003

2. Kalanjali Arts & Crafts
5-10-194, Hill Fort Road, Saifabad, HYD 500 004
Ph: 231147

3. Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium
Gun foundry, HYD 500 001
Ph: 235028

4. Sheela's Indian Handicrafts Specialists
17, Lal Bahadur Stadium, HYD 500 001
Ph: 236944

5. Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium,
94, Minerva Complex, S.D.Road,
Sec'bad 500 003

Venkateshwara Chary · Guest

DC NEWS ON 13.01.2005

Filigree aspires for patent rights

Karimnagar, Jan. 12: Taking the cue from the remarkable distinction achieved by the Pochampally-based handloom industry, the town-based Silver Filigree Handicrafts Society is making vigorous efforts to attain the coveted patent rights for its indigenous art work.

The historical art of silver filigree is poised to enter into the global market from January 16. The town-based silver filigree artistes will showcase their splendid silver filigree products worth Rs 10 lakh at the international trade fair, which began in Dubai on Wednesday. A delegation comprising DRDA project director T Chiranjeevulu and Silver Filigree Handicrafts Society president A Dayakara Chary is leaving for Dubai on January 14 to display the art form to international customers.

The DRDA is already implementing a special Centrally-sponsored scheme under Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana at an outlay of Rs 1.83 crore to revive and promote the historical art form which enthralled several generations during the erstwhile Nizam era. The DRDA has appointed Mumbai-based designer Purna Agarwal to help silver filigree artistes in design development and produce articles which match global market requirements.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Chiranjeevulu said that the overwhelming response to silver filigree products at an exhibition held in a city-based star hotel prompted them to explore global avenues for promoting the rich art form. “It is a great privilege for artistes to exhibit the rich heritage of the district at an international forum,” he remarked and exuded confidence that participation in the global event would fetch the society around Rs 30 lakh in the form of sales. The DRDA would extend all help to the society to stake its claim for the patent rights, he said.