Plate / Paper-cutter with silver inlay work

Bidri work has its origin in the town of Bidri in Karnataka but is done in both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

It is a craft that emerged from damascening on metal in the making and decorating of guns. The designs are etched on the metal surface and inlaid with silver wire. Silver leaf inlay lends itself to the curves and angles of calligraphy while the silver wire inlay follows the usual line work. A pen with a chiselled edge (khat) is used for the drawings of the angular areas in the design on a platter and paper knife. This way, the two components (calligraphy and line work) provide an attractive contrast.

The Kannada words 'iruva bhagyavu nanadu / baranambad anubidu harushikeidedari' are inlaid forming a design on a square platter on which important letters or documents are presented to the recipient. They mean “be content with your destiny, do not be engaged with what others get, God will grant you that which is due to you”.The paper knife accompanies the platter. The words say 'thumba churkua aaga bedea' meaning “do not be over-sharp”. It is a good-humoured message implying that both people and knives should not be overly sharp as the results could be harmful.