Thewa Art Work
Gold Metal
History
Thewa, a 400-year-old craft, is a traditional Rajasthani art form characterized by a sophisticated and elaborate quasi-enamelling technique. The technique involves embedding a softened layer of colourful glass or enamel beneath a silver wire frame, followed by a finely patterned 23K gold leaf coating. Every piece of jewellery undergoes a meticulous process of infusing gold with jewels and colourful glass, a process that can take over a month to complete.
Raw Materials and Tools
Pure Silver, Navasagaram, Iron Tongs, Boring Machine, Compass, Yerigaram, Crucible, Reetha, Brass Brush
Process
Thewa art jewellery is made of 23-karat gold on glass, utilizing a specific type of tinted glass. The colours in the glass are carefully tinted to achieve the desired hues. Fine-cutting chisels are used to puncture an openwork pattern through the gold sheets, following the design etched into the gold. A beautifully designed gold leaf then covers this intricately patterned gold, embedding it into a softened layer of coloured glass or enamel to create a striking and unique piece of jewellery.
Design and Color
The historical motifs in Thewa jewellery depict the lifestyles of their patrons through intricate scenes. These motifs include hunting scenes with elephants and palanquins, deer, peacocks, and lions; Maharana Pratap riding his legendary horse Chetak; soldiers in battle; Krishna with the gopis; and other depictions of daily and royal life.
Product Range
In Rajasthan, for temple jewellery, affordable options have become increasingly popular, including base-metal plating and silver embellished with lower-quality gemstones. It is often associated with Kundan Meena jewellery, which features creative designs paired with classic themes such as lotus flowers, peacocks, swans, gods and goddesses, and statuettes of regal figures.