The Lac art in Rajasthan has been around for centuries. The Lac work from Sawai, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Madhopur are known for their charming colours and vibrant and flawless finish. The cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur have several lac work centres which can be visited to see the artists at work. Lac work is not only popular for making jewellery but is also known for building pieces of architecture and decorative items. Originally when Lac work was introduced it was used for adorning doors and windows of houses. The work offers excellent finish to the doors and it is easy to make different designs and carvings on Lac.

Indian glass beads are also quite popular in designing fashion jewellery and customized jewellery. They are available in different colour, pattern and variety that has made the glass beads popular across the world. Glass jewellery in the form of glass bangles and glass earrings is also popular. In fact glass bangles are practically worn by almost every Indian woman.

Over the centuries the art of making lac jewellery and items has evolved and today lac jewellery is available in various shapes, forms and colours. The art of making Lac jewellery and decorative items is very intrinsic. It requires skilled craftsmanship and a lot of precision to create lac jewellery and other items. The process of making lac items is quite complex and tedious but it gives rise to some of the finest pieces of art that are difficult to take your eyes off from.

History

The Lac art was originally introduced in Rajasthan in the 18th century. The art was patronized familiarised by Raja of Jaipur Maharaja Ram Singh. He brought artists from the other states and established the Lac art industry in Rajasthan. This art was imported from Persia through the route of Punjab. Since then the craft has been developed by the tribal people in Rajasthan. The Lac art industry saw a boost after the Second World War and since then several artists have been engaged in this industry.

Lac work is often compared to the art of enamelling. However lac art has its own uniqueness and is available in several forms. One of the best works of lac art can be seen in the lac throne in the 18th century. The throne is preserved by the ex-ruler of Bikaner and exhibits excellent skills of the artists.

Process

Lac is a type of resin extracted from wild trees. The process of designing Lac work and jewellery is very typical and complex. The process involves heating, combining, kneading, hammering and shaping till dough like mass is made.

In case of making a Lac bangle, the lac is expanded and formed into the required diameter and is thickened accordingly. A toll is used for rolling the bangle to give it the thickness. After this the lac is shaped by moulding it into a groove. The entire process requires a lot of accuracy and skill to give rise to beautiful jewellery. After lac has been moulded it is cleaned, polished and given the final finishing. Lac jewellery at times is adorned with beautiful glass beads and mirror work.

For other pieces of jewellery, lac is poured into dyes of different shapes that are lined with different colours. After the material sets in and cools and dries off it is removed, cleaned and polished to give the final finishing.

Lac and Glass Jewellery

It is believed that the fashion of Lac jewellery originated in Rajasthan. Today lac jewellery has attained popularity all around India. Lac is used for making bangles, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. Lac jewellery is the perfect jewellery for complimenting any type of outfit. They come in various styles, colours and patterns suiting everyone’s taste and liking. Lac bangles are sported by women as a sign of good omen. These bangles are available in different designs such as plain red or white bangles, marbled bangles, in various colour combinations, etc. The beauty of lac jewellery is enhanced with glass beads, mirror work, decorative wires, etc.

Glass jewellery is also quite appreciated not only in Rajasthan but all across India. Glass bangles are especially worn by almost all married women in every caste, community and religion in India. Glass jewellery is available in different colours and designs. They are available in both pastel and transparent colours. Some glass jewellery is decorated with paintings and some with artificially coloured dust.