We love the elegance of Bidri work, beautifully displayed in this spittoon. Imagine something so grand made for so unappealing a purpose. This piece clearly has been used too and has had the odd bash over time but it carries age and some infirmity without detriment to its beauty.
 
Bidriware is the pride of Bidar, near Hyderabad. Zinc and copper are inlaid with silver in intricate patterns. The origin of this art form is believed to have been during the reign of the Bahmani sultans, who ruled Bidar in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is said to be an amalgamation of Persian, Arabic and Turkish designs. Though there are no historical records to prove it, many believe that it was brought to India by the followers of Khwaja Muinuddin Chisty, a preacher, in the 12th century. The process of making these beautiful articles is a complicated one and the elementary material used in an alloy of zinc and copper in the ratio 16:1. Then, artistic patterns are etched on this alloy. The process involves eight stages. First, moulding is done, which is followed by smoothing with a file and then chiselling and engraving and the inlaying of silver. This is followed by smoothing, buffing and the oxidising of the product with ammonium chloride and a soil specific to the Bidar locality. The chemicals in this soil give the distinct lustrous black colour to Bidri work.
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