Filigree is a kind of delicate metalwork, usually comprising of gold and silver, embodied with beads and threads. The elements are soldered over a metal surface, arranged with several artistic motifs.
A motif is a design or composition in the iconography of a particular subject. The same motif maybe repeated throughout the filigree structure or different designs can be employed. This kind of artwork is popular in Indian and other Asian civilizations.
Fine threads of metal are united at their points of contact with the ground surface using flux. A blowpipe is generally used to connect the fine threads onto the metal surface.
At first, Granulated motifs are cut into small pieces so that it can be easily placed onto the metal surface. These cut pieces are then mixed with flux to make it apt for melting purpose. The compound is then placed in the holes provided with pitted charcoal.
After this, melting is carried out with a blowpipe that reaches the charcoal layer first and slowly gets down to the motifs which are placed beneath.
On melting, the bits of wire which are present in the flux get curled up and take a natural spherical shape. The beauty of this artwork is that, each motif on melting ends up slightly different from one another.
Small grains or beads are placed in these wire junctions. A stouter wire is placed as a protective layer, as this metal surface is very delicate.
The final step involves decorating the filigree surface with minute beads and globules of gold or other ornamental materials which are soldered to form patterns on a metal surface.
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