The metalware of Rajasthan comprises of artistic, enamelled and engaved silverware and metalware. Popular creations in silver include wine cups, silver embossed decorative boxes, human figures, cigarette lighter cases and photo farmes.
Jaipur is famous for engraved brassware which is usually enamelled.
The famous brass and copper metalware has a rich and ancient tradition in Tamil Nadu. These metal objects are used for both religious and secular purposes, though utility is a primary consideration. The deepam or lamp are regarded as a symbol of Agni, which is auspicious and is the best known of the State's metalware. There is a good variety of lamps that includes standing lamps, aarathi (votive lamps), deepalakshmis, hand lamps and chain lamps.
Counted amongst the Crafts of Uttar Pradesh, Metalware in Uttar Pradesh come in various forms. Uttar Pradesh is considered the largest Copper and Brass making State in the country with thousands of establishments. In domestic-ware, the small water-pots, lotas in common parlance, are known by the name of their origin like Banaras, Sitapur, Etawah etc. The various articles of ritual are largely cast in copper. So, you may have your pick from tamrapatra (a pot used for the purpose of storing water); panchapatra that holds all the articles required for worship; simhasan-a seat meant for the god; kanchanthal-a plate for offering sweets and flowers etc.
In Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad produces the large quantities of art metal ware. It is especially famous for its color enameling and intricate engraving. There are two types of engravings one is called nakshi and ios done on the tinned surface while other is known as khudai and is done on lac coated unpolished brass. The pointed steel pencil is used to make design in khudai type.
Metal craft is perhaps the single most important craft in terms of the number of artisans engaged in its practice as in its close links with the daily lives of the people of the State. The craft is practiced by the people of the Kansari caste who can be broadly described as metalsmiths while a particular variety, dhokra, is practiced mainly by sithulias. The largest concentration of the former is Kantilo and Balakati in Puri district although fairly substantial numbers are found in Cuttack, Ganjam and Sambalpur districts.
Iron tin and brass were used to produce weapons as well items of utility and ornaments. The Konyak blacksmiths were famous for their works in the early days and their products were in great demand in the plains of Assam. To this day, the local dao, spears, chisels; ornaments and other items of utility are still made by local blacksmith whose skills are highly valued in society.
Bidriware or the Birdri craft is one of the most popular handicrafts of Maharashtra. It has been in existence since ages and found patrons amongst the Mughal rulers. Initially used for embellishing royal swords and other weapons, the craft later spread to domestic items like cigars and cigarette boxes. The typical items adorned with bidriware are plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket boxes, hukka bases, jewelry, glass and studded bangles, etc.
Iron crafting is a traditional skill that the craftsmen in the remote villages of Madhya Pradesh have mastered formany generations. Iron ore extracted from local mines are molded into desired shapes. People of Gond, Muria, Dhruva and Bhatra communities practice this art form. Beautifully carved iron 'Diyas' (lamps) are given to daughters as a part of their bridal gifts. Today, iron craft of the state gets global recognition and adorns many a contemporary homes.
Brass work occupies an important place in the craftsmanship of the Bastar tribes. The urge for creativeness reflects in most of the images made of the brass and bell metal. For preparing these figures they follow the ancient cire-perdue process. First the earthen core is made, then wax is shaped on the object which is ultimately replaced by molten metal. The products include, animal and human figures, deities etc..
Metal work is an ancient art of Kerala. The production of Temple bells and lamps have been in existence from very early times. Kerala is a home of bell-metals. Gleaming bell metal alloyed from a mixture of brass, tin and copper provide the raw substance for making tower-like lamps. Different types of cooking vessels, like the magnificent 'Varpu', tumblers for drinking etc are some of the other bell metal items. Trivandrum, Irinjalakuda and Kasargod are the main centers of bell-metal.