A cluster is defined as a geographic concentration (a city/town/few adjacent village and their adjoining areas) of units producing near similar products and facing common opportunities and threats. An artisan cluster is defined as geographically concentrated (mostly in villages/townships) household units producing handicraft/handloom products. In a typical cluster, such producers often belong to a traditional community, producing the long-established products for generations. Indeed, many artisan clusters are centuries old Artisan.
About Bhainchua Cluster:-
Bhainchua Cluster falls under Orissa State in Khordha district.
The Bhainchua cluster is able to form 350 plus Artisans & 22 SHGs supporting the strong work force. The mobilization gains momentum day by day.
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Metal Ware:-
Metal craft of Orissa can be featured with the socio cultural aspect of the state in association with the tradition. The shrines and the temples are the examples of rich cultural heritage of the state with standard materials.
The metal craft of Orissa includes the usage of metals like Brass and Bell metals and the people of Kansari community mainly create different items out of them. Castings of brass items are practiced by the people of Ganjam. The motifs used in the decorative pieces are mainly inspired from the folk culture of Orissa. The artisans use an alloy of copper and zinc and of copper and tin to give shape to different items. Apart from the usage of brass and bell metals the artisans of Orissa are adept at creating jewelleries and items with silver and gold. Cuttack is famous in the entire world for the unique and delicate craft of `tarkashi` or well known as the silver filigree work. This art of creating items is considered one of the intricate works by the artisans who create splendid jewelleries with a touch of tradition. According to history, the filigree work or`tarkashi` of Cuttack was once sought after by royal households and merchants from far and wide.
The metal craft of Orissa has socio-cultural links and according to the traditions of the state, the bride is presented with a set of brass and bell metal articles for starting off her new home. However, in all major temples almost invariably the moving image or the `Chalanti Pratima` of the presiding deities is made of brass. Among the major icons, the large brass image of Radha in the`Sakhigopal temple` in Puri district , images in temples in Ganjam district, Krishna, Radha, Ganesha, Gurundi Gopal and Laxmi idols are created with the brass metal. The artisans generally create items based on the motifs of human heads, kings, `Manas` or miniature replica of measures; other items include containers with lids, with or without locking devices, candle stands, ashtrays, pen stands, bowls, plates, spoons, glass, tumbler, bells, thali (plates), handi, baltis (buckets), gina (tumblers), pots and pans, ladles or `Chatu`, perforated flat cooking spoons etc. Even items like the brass fish and snakes are made by the craftsmen of Belguntha in Ganjam district.
Raw Materials:-
In India, Brass and Copper are used for making various usable objects since ancient time. It has a rich tradition of making metal objects which are used for both religious and secular purposes. A wide variety of objects include standing lamps, aarathi (votive lamps), deepalakshmis, hand lamps and chain lamps. Shallow dishes circular, hexagonal, octagonal and oval shapes are widely used and are made out of bronze or sheet brass. The popular Thanjavur plates are characterized by designs of deities, birds, flowers, and geometric patterns beaten out from the back of copper and silver sheets and subsequently encrusted on a brass tray, kudam or panchpaathra. Metal toys are also popular and are sold at various gift outlets in various towns and cities of the state.
Process:-
The craftsmen cast their own pieces, making moulding clay from sand, resin and oil in proportion (20:2:1) and add borax to the clay surface to prevent the metal sticking.The alloy, the darkened zinc used as base is described as nine to sixteen part of zinc to one of copper, is melted and poured into the moulds and solidified.
The surface of the rough cast of the articles is filed and smoothened with sand paper and then rubbed with a solution of copper sulphate to impart a dark surface to provide a suitable base for the next stage of tracing the design and engraving.
To engrave the design, wax from honeycomb and Raal a bonding agent is used. This solution is spread on a flat stone and the article to be engraved is fixed on it. The design is traced by hand, with the help of chisels and pure silver wire of 95% purity is inlaid in the grooves to form designs. There are five different types of tools used for engraving.
In the ultimate interesting stage, the articles are heated gently and treated with a solution of sal-ammoniac and earth taken from old fort buildings, which has the effect of making the entire surface turn jet black providing a distinct contrast to the shining silver inlay.
It is this contrast that lends Bidri a uniqueness that no other metal ware could possibly claim. Finally, oil is rubbed on the piece to deepen the black matt coating. The entire process is done by hand hence, is time consuming.
Techniques:-
The techniques of metalworking follow the same principles, whether the scale of design is industrial or sculptural, or even at the tiny scale of a ring or a pair of earrings. Furthermore, many of the basic techniques also relate to work in other media.
Applique:- The technique of creating a design by soldering or granulating cut-out shapes of sheet metal to another metal surface.
Casting:- The process of shaping a molten metal by means of a mold.
Chasing:- A technique for surface embellishing of metal accomplished by driving pointed tools into the metal.
Enameling:- The fusing of a glassy substance onto metal. Enamels are combinations of flux and metal oxides (for color). Cloisonne is one of the better known enamel techniques.
Repousee:- A technique of pushing metal out from its reverse side using hammers and punches in order to create a low relief design on the front.
How to Reach:-
By Air:-
Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport at a distance of 30 Kms.
By Road:-
Khurda is on the N.H.5.Regular bus service is available from all major towns of the state to Bhubaneswar+ Khurda.
By Train:-
Khurda road is the nearest Railway junction at a distance of 12 kms. Bhubaneswar Railway Station is 30 Kms.