Twisted silver wire is the material used in Filigree work, and the articles have a trellis-like appearance. In this art which demands tremendous expertise, the silversmith crimps thin strips of silver into zigzag patterns and loops, using it to fill up the ground of designs formed by thicker silver strips. The art work of Filigree is found in
Karimnagar district of
Andhra Pradesh and in
Orissa. The silversmiths create silver Filigree with a most fascinating aspect of newness and surprise and every piece looks different, delicate and unique.
The predominant items made out of this art work include leaves, flowers, trees, animals, and birds.
Though initially restricted to jewelry, now the art has been extended to other household articles like tea-trays, ornament containers, key chains and even cigarette boxes.
