Most of us love jewelry especially earrings, no matter how frequently we go to parties. We always have a collection ready for different occasions, especially when we aim to dress with traditional theme. Meenakari jewelry is the one that finds its way to our favorite traditional collection. Its beauty lies in bright colors and unique designs, even one pair of earrings can transcends the rest, with its royal appearance. The decorative details in Meenakari work are usually dramatic, colorful, and best suited for traditional Indian outfits.
In Meenakari work, the metal and ceramic tiles are overlaid with brightly colored designs. This process of painting and coloring is done using ancient techniques by professional craftsmen. The enamel can appear in different forms like opaque, transparent, or translucent, to give a unique appearance and glossy finish to it.
Meenakari is an Indian name given to this Persian art form. Mina, the name derived from ‘Minoo’ in Persian, means ‘heaven’. This art form was first introduced in Rajasthan by Raja Mansingh of Amer, in the 16th century, and later brought it to Varanasi. This art was initially used to create designs on the traditional ‘polki’ jewelry.
The craftsmen who practice this art are known as ‘meenakars’. This artform has been practiced for centuries, and passed down from one generation to the next.
This art can be found in three different form – ‘Ek Rang Khula Meena’ is designed by using one highlighted color with mute and white pastels. ‘Panch Rangi Meena’ is designed by using five colors i.e. green, light blue, dark blue, white, and red. These vibrant colors, put together, generate great aesthetic appeal. The final form is ‘Gulabi Meena’, famous in Varanasi; the name suggests the dominant color here is pink which is inspired by the pink blush of roses.
Designs of Meenakari work require a whole procedure through a chain of artisans, when one completes his task, hands over to the others for the next step. Although the design is also done on silver and copper, it fits best on gold because of its natural sheen that enhances the colors beautifully. Meenakari work has flourished with time, now the artwork can be seen in home décor like paintings, trays, cupboards, dining sets, sculptures, etc.
(Edited by Monica P Singhal)