Taarkashi | Brass Inlay – The Journey of an Indian Handicraft

The Process

Taarkashi is a very unique craft of India that includes engraving thin strips of brass wire on the surface of a seasoned wooden piece, crafting elaborate designs and patterns. This process, although simple sounding, is a complex and intricate combination of hand-carving with basic tools and fine inlay work with brass wire, strips, and motifs.

Here’s a basic outline of how this Taarkashi craft works:

Drying or ‘seasoning’ of wood: Removing any moisture from the wood, making it apt and ready for the next steps.
Cutting wood: This ‘seasoned’ wood is cut into required shapes and dimensions based on the design of the product.
Marking and cutting of brass metal: Thin and delicate strips are cut from the brass metal sheet to create the pattern on the wood. These thin strips of wire are called “taar.”
Inlaying the wire: The design/pattern is either drawn by hand directly on the wooden surface or printed on a white paper which is pasted on the surface of the wood. The craftsman then engraves the design with a half-round chisel and hammer, inlaying the sharp edge of the wire into the wood.
Sanding and polishing: After the design is completely inlaid, the product is sanded with a stone to make the surface even. ‘Burada’, a mix of sawdust and adhesive, is filled in to any cracks, grooves, and spaces left while engraving or chipping of wood. This makes the surface smooth. The product is then scraped and sandpapered to give a smooth finish. Finally, it is buffed with a cotton cloth containing wax polish to enhance the shine and protect the wood.

New Ideas in the Field of Taarkashi | Brass Inlay

In its latest contemporary form, Taarkashi has grown to include other materials like wrought iron, ceramic, and glass combined with wood. There is a wide range of wood types is used to make products for Taarkashi | Brass Inlay, such as Sheesham for small items, Teakwood for furniture, and Mango for antique items. These products basically go through the same steps, including slicing, carving, inlaying, sanding, polishing, and assembling. Most craftsmen specialize in one of these processes, resulting in a product handcrafted by multiple hands.

The Origin of the Craft of Taarkashi | Brass Inlay

Taarkashi is believed to have originated in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, and was patronized by the royals of Jaipur and Amber. Sawai Jai Singh II invited Sri Sarwan Lal Misra, a master craftsman from Mainpuri, to Jaipur, where he started practicing and teaching the craft. The craft has been passed down through generations, with families belonging to the Jangid community, who are supposed to deal with wood, practicing it in Jaipur. Today, there are about four families and fifteen individuals practicing this craft in Jaipur.

Uttar Pradesh: A Hub for Wood Crafts

Uttar Pradesh is home to several craft clusters that work with wood using various techniques, such as wood carving, brass/metal inlay in wood (Taarkashi | Brass Inlay), and carved wooden blocks for printing and other purposes. Artisans have been working with wood for centuries, and the craft is handed over from one generation to the other. These artisans handcraft intricate and fine detailing to create products whose designs include vine leaf patterns, geometric, and figurative carvings.

Limited Edition Indian Handicraft ‘Kaarigar’ Collection | Artisanal Handcrafted Wooden Brass Inlay Jewelry

Introducing our exquisite collection of Artisanal Wooden Brass Inlay Jewellery. This collection of jewelry is made from sheesham wood scraps, delicately adorned with the intricate art of brass inlay called Tarkashi. A dance of materials that intertwines sustainability with artistic prowess. Designed and Visualised by Design5 Studio and brought to life by talented Indian artisans, this unique jewelry collection reflects their dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The result is a stunning collection of unique and limited edition jewelry pieces that showcase the fusion of traditional techniques and modern design.

For this collection, Design5 worked in collaboration with the highly skilled team of Shilp Guru Late Sardar Hussain (1942- 2021), along with his two sons, in his hometown in Chhipiwara, Uttar Pradesh. He was a master craftperson ( National Awardee) and was a fourth generation craftsman originating from Farrukhabad. He and his sons also mastered the art of intricate mughal technique of wood carving on blocks used for printing textiles. This collection was born from the wish to lend a small, but willing helping hand to support Indian crafts and it’s artisans.

Wearing our Artisanal Wooden Handmade Brass Inlay Jewellery is not just an accessory, but a celebration of heritage, culture, and the timeless beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Elevate your style with the beauty and artistry of my Artisanal Wooden Handmade Brass Inlay Jewelry collection.