Bidri Embroidery

Bidri Embroidery

Bidri refers to the art of silver inlay on black colored metal. The embroiderers there tried to bring that same effect on cloth. It is silver embroidery primatily on black cloth.

The stitches and the elements are same as Zardozi



Bidri work

The process involves laying of gold or silver wire on a cast of copper and zinc. The articles are cast with moulds of red clay. A molten solution of copper and zinc is poured on it. The polished base is then coated with copper sulphate to create a dark surface. The design is outlined by the craftsmen with the help of chisels.


Next, a pure silver (or gold) wire or sheet is hammered in the engraved outlines, and the surface polished with sandpaper. In the last stage, the articles are heated and treated with a solution of ammonium chloride, copper sulphate, potassium nitrate and old mud (taken from the ruins of ancient buildings). As a result, the entire surface turns black.



Traditionally Bidri was used to make cot legs, hookahs, pan box, etc. These days, the art is used to make vases, cuff links, earrings, small statues, cigarette box, ashtrays, etc.

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