TELKARI
Filigree-delicate ornamental design made with silver wire, also known as telkari-Turkish term / word for fine art of wireworks, wire shaped into fine and exclusive jewellery. Telkari is handmade from pure silver which is 1000 percent silver.
Silver filigree work has its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt from where it spread into Turkey and other parts of Asia. From Turkey it transferred during the ottoman rule into Yugoslavia and Greece. It is also known as-cift is-i (tweezed work) and vav isi from the Arabic letter vav which is somewhat similar to-g-and is a frequently used as shape / motif.
All the work involved in the creation of a filigree piece is carried out by the same craftsman. This involves the design of the object as well as the production of the silver wire from which the frame, and infill motifs, are made. Some of the beautiful objects produced are flat ware-plates, trays, belts, bracelets, mirror frames-but others are hollow ware, filigree coffee cup holders were once particularly popular when the cups themselves were made without handles. Whatever the desired end result the design is first drawn flat on paper but if the object is to be hollow the paper is manipulated into shape before the design is completed.
The production of the silver wire involves risk, considerable strength and special equipment. The silver is melted in a crucible then poured into a mould to make thin rods which are drawn through steel plates with tapering holes until wire 1 mm in diameter is produced. During this process the metal is constantly reheated and coated with beeswax. In the early stages the pulling is done by hand, using pliers but when this becomes impossible the wire is tied to the craftsman's water Buffalo hide belt and he uses his own weight to finish the job.
The piece is completed on a flat walnut slab, which has been flamed to burn off the oil and compressed for several days. Every filigree object has a frame (muntach) to which the different motifs are attached. The muntach is made first with a double thickness of wire then fine wire is shaped to make the motifs which fit into the openings. The motifs are not soldered to the frame but welded with a silver and borax mixture. After the motifs are in place the final, smallest, decorations (silver balls etc) are welded on. In the case of hollow ware, the frames and motifs are prepared in sections on the flat surface and then welded together supported by hardwood or metal moulds.
Telkari is folded with craftsman's feelings, imaginary, passion and refinements and turns into its final products as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, belts or so on, to be wearied by ladies. However, telkari is not limited for jewellery purposes only. Decorative stuffs and kitchen items such as vases, photo frames, icons, candle-holders, plates, sugar bowls, and tea sets with many others can be made.
Asmin exports own their products all over the world. Firstly in Europe, Northern Africa, United Arab Emirates, Australia and USA comparing with the last y ears, our production and export turnovers have strongly increased. Thanks to our large assortment, unique designs and high quality with the satisfactory prices.
