History of Tarkashi Art

Inlaying Heritage In Every Creation

Tarkashi Art

Discover the timeless craft of metalwork, where skilled artisans transform metal into beautiful, traditional pieces that showcase a rich heritage.

  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Rajasthan
Filling The Grooves With Perfection Art Icon

The Making Of Tarkashi Art

Discover the Magic Behind Tarkashi Metal Inlays

Preparing the Wood : Seasoned hardwood, like Sheesham or Rosewood, is carefully selected for its durability to hold intricate metal wire designs.

Drawing the Design: Design templates are drawn on paper, then transferred and outlined onto the wood surface as a precise guide.

Carving the Wood: Artisans carve the wood surface meticulously using chisels, following the design patterns to create space for the metal inlays.

Preparing the Metal Wire: Thin metal pieces of brass or copper are cut, heated, and formed into thin strips and pellets to be used in the inlaying process.

Inlay Work & Final Touches: Metal wires are hammered into the carved wood grooves, then polished and finished, ensuring a seamless, detailed masterpiece.

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A Tribute To Skilled Hands

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Shop our most beloved Tarkashi artworks created using premium materials and traditional techniques by our skilled artisans. Enhance your home decor with the natural beauty and rich heritage of Tarkashi art.

Origins Of Tarkashi

A Journey Through Time

How It Began

The origin of Tarkashi can be traced back to half a decade ago. It flourished during the Mughal era, where it was used to decorate royal items like chariots and swords. Later, the rulers of Jaipur supported the craft, helping it grow. The designs often show flowers, patterns, and scenes inspired by Hindu and Mughal traditions.

Tarkashi Craft Today

Only a few families in India continue to practise the fine art of Tarkashi today. Passed down through the ages, this craft endures in the quiet workshops, where woodworkers laboriously hammer metal into wood by hand. Less widely known, their craftsmanship keeps a tradition alive that has been centuries old, blending heritage, dedication, and timeless beauty.

"Tarkashi art combines three traditional skills in one craft. It requires mastery in wood carving, metalwork, and design drawing—a rare combination passed down through generations."

Keeping The Tradition Alive

The Enduring Craftsmanship Of Tarkashi Artisans

In Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh's bustling streets, Tarkashi artisans fight to hold on to their traditions amidst difficulties. With each exquisitely inlaid panel, they combine traditional style with contemporary designs. Today, Tarkashi art has gained new relevance in home decor and the gifts market, allowing this ancient craft to survive and bring pride to the communities that kept it alive for centuries.

  • Jewellery Boxes

  • Trays & Serving Platters

  • Wall Decor Pieces

Elegance in Every Inlay Detail

A Craft Handed Down Across Generations

Originating over half a century ago, Tarkashi Art was handed down across many generations. Every strand of metal wire is carefully struck with patience and precision to create stunning art pieces.

Ethnic India Handicrafts

Shop The Best of Tarkashi Art

Our Tarkashi art collection holds centuries of exquisite craftsmanship, with each piece carefully hand-inlaid with delicate brass wire, creating patterns that softly speak of royal lineage. From classic storage boxes to contemporary wall decor and trays, you can buy Tarkashi srt pieces from our store.

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The Art of Inlay: Tarkashi Craft Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about Tarkashi art? Our FAQs break down the process and craftsmanship of these intricate creations.

What exactly is Tarkashi art, and how is it created?

Tarkashi art is a traditional Indian craft involving the intricate inlaying of fine metal wires, typically brass, into wooden surfaces. Artisans carve delicate grooves on hardwood like sheesham or teak and hammer flattened metal wires into these patterns to create stunning decorative motifs.

Which communities are traditionally known for practising Tarkashi art?

The craft is predominantly practised by the Jangid community, skilled woodworkers and metal artisans based mainly in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh. This tradition dates back over 500 years and is also carried on in places like Jaipur.

What kinds of products and items feature Tarkashi craftsmanship?

Tarkashi art adorns a variety of items including jewellery boxes, door panels, trays, lamps, and furniture such as tables and chairs. These objects combine practicality with exquisite ornamental metal inlay work, often inspired by Mughal designs.

How old is the tradition of Tarkashi art and what supports its continuation today?

Tarkashi art has a history spanning over five centuries. Today, the craft is supported by government initiatives providing financial aid and training to artisans, helping to preserve and promote this heritage in contemporary markets.

What materials are primarily used in Tarkashi art and why are they important?

The main materials include hardwoods like sheesham or teak as the base, and fine brass, copper, or occasionally silver wires for the inlay. These materials allow artisans to achieve intricate designs with durability and a striking visual appeal in finished pieces.