$950.00
Indian Mughal style overlaid hand painted metal platter with gilt and polychrome floral Meenakari design.
Beautiful vintage decorative platter overlaid with bone, etched and hand painted throughout in Moorish geometric design and Mughal Raj arabesque.
This stylish Mughal Raj plate is hand painted with beige, gold and green floral Mughal design in the same work as seen in the Taj Mahal palace.
Mid 20th century, Rajasthan India.
Meenakari is a traditional art form that involves the intricate decoration of metal with enamel, producing stunning designs used in jewelry, decorative items, home decor, dining sets, and more. Originating in Persia, Meenakari was introduced to India in the 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. A court member brought this exquisite craft to the royal artisans, who initially adorned palace walls, ceilings, and doors with it. At the behest of the emperor’s wife, artisans soon began using Meenakari to craft exquisite jewelry.
Raja Man Singh of Amber is credited with bringing the Mughal art of Meenakari to India by inviting skilled artisans from Lahore to his court.
Today, Jaipur stands as a vibrant hub for Meenakari, continuing to preserve and celebrate this heritage. Other cities like Delhi, Punjab, Lucknow, Udaipur, Pratapgarh, and Varanasi, along with Rajasthan and Gujarat, are also renowned for their mastery of this art form.
The term ‘Meenakari’ is derived from the Persian word Minoo, meaning "heaven," and the ornamental use of this art form often reflects the elegance and beauty of Persian artistry.