DEEN DAYAL RAJKUMAR - Enamel Jewellery

Enameling: At the end of the 16 century Raja Man Singh of Jaipur invited five skilled enamel workers from Lahore. There descendents today are some of the world's best goldworkers and enamelers. Rajasthani enameling or Meenakari is an eleborate process. After the gold is given the required shape ,it is covered with lac or sealing wax. Then starts the most difficult part.The ornament is scratched on with a pointed instrument,and the required designs are carved.The designs are usually images of God, birds and flowers and even landscapes. Once the designs are made the enamel dust or powder of different colored glasses is put into the cavities.The ornament is placed into the red-hot furnace which has two openings and is lined with tin.The enamel is melt and is diffused proportionately into the cavities.It is then taken out and burnished with a wet stone.Then process is repeated until the required polish is attained.

Sometimes it takes months to finish one piece of jewellery. The standards of excellence have been maintained over the years and the occupation is hereditary. But not everyone in the family of enamelers can become an enameler.It requires penetrating eyes,fullattrention and patience. Once given a commission,most artists retire to their country homes so not as to be disturbed during the work.

The enamelers of Jaipur designs the best pendants, necklaces, anklets, naths, bajuband, bhichiyes and even spoons, knives, key chains and cuffinks.

One of the best known Jaipur enameler was Shri DEEN DAYAL MEENAKAR. He has made a small elephant of gold which is considered one of the best Jaipur enamelwork,and was exhibited at many art exhibitions in various part of the country.He won national award in 1968. Shri DEEN DAYAL died in 1985 and his son Shri RAJKUMAR SANKIT and his grandson DEEPAK SANKIT are now following his tradition.