Metal crafts from India

by Cecile de Veyra (Managing Editor)

Metalworking in India dates back to ancient times and continues to be part of its culture based on the metal crafts that are widely available on the market. There are everyday items such as pots, pans and utensils, enhanced functional pieces including door handles, picture frames, key chains and hangers, and decorative tabletop and wall crafts as well as fashion accessories like jewelry and buttons.

These pieces are made of iron, copper, silver, gold and alloys such as bronze, bell metal, brass and white metal. They are lacquered, electroplated, oxidized, powder-coated or polished, and feature engraved, inlaid or filigreed patterns. Design inspirations come from India’s rich cultural heritage, and include deities, flora and fauna.

“The handicraft of India has its own place in the world, being one of the major producers and suppliers of handmade products,” according to Crafts N Chisel, a marketplace for Indian crafts.

Based on statistics from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), exports of art metal wares amounted to $353.92 million from April 2020 to January 2021. This will continue growing as demand is still increasing.

India has 744 handicraft clusters with nearly 212,000 artisans and more than 35,000 products, according to IBEF.

Here are metal crafts handpicked by our market analyst Naheed Siddiqui.

Hand-carved aluminum craft

Model 91A from Bharat Handicrafts is hand-crafted from cast aluminum and has an electroplated antique finish. It depicts Hindu deity Lord Ganesha, holding a fish in each hand and sitting under a canopy of peacocks, and two devotees in worshipping posture. This metal craft product measures 42x32x21cm and weighs about 3.22kg. MOQ is 50 pieces and lead time 60 days.

Handmade metal craft

This metal décor item from Bharat Handicrafts, model Cow & Calf, is handmade using cast aluminum and electroplated in gold color. Its size is 18x19x15cm and weights about 810g. An order of at least 50 pieces is required and has a lead time of 60 days.

Key hanger handcrafted from mild steel

The CKMTD0519 from Craftkriti is a key hanger featuring a Buddha figure handcrafted from 24-gauge mild steel, tree branches from thin mild steel rods and leaves from mild steel sheets. It is powder-coated in shiny ivory color, and the leaves in red, gold and green. Product size is 23x4.5in. This supplier requires a minimum order of 100 pieces. Lead time is 30 days.

Owl-shaped pen stand

Craftkriti offers this pen stand, handmade from 24-gauge mild steel sheets and powder-coated in gray and black. Model CKMTD0529 comes in the shape of an owl and has details hand-painted in gold and white. This product is 8.5 inches high and its base 2.5 inches in diameter. MOQ is 100 pieces and lead time 30 days.

Handmade iron wall décor

Model CAI-01 from Creative Arts India is a wall décor item handcrafted from iron. It features a bouquet of flowers powder-coated in shiny gold color. It is 30x55in. The required minimum order quantity is 100 pieces. Lead time is 45 days.

Aluminum table décor cum paper weight

Paramount Home Collections’ model S35448-af7 is a decorative piece made of aluminum and has a bronze antique finish. This metal craft product, which can also be used as a paperweight, measures 12.5cm in diameter and weighs about 350g. This company requires an order of at least 500 pieces and ships within 60 days.