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How did Indian metalworkers use gold and silver for jewelry and drinking vessels?

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Plaque showing a warrior and attendants — metalwork Warrior and attendants plaque, brass relief sculpture by Edo artists in the court of the kingdom of Benin (now Nigeria), 16th–17th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Indian metalworkers have a long history of utilizing gold and silver for jewelry and drinking vessels, though few early examples survive due to the historical practice of melting down unserviceable items.12

Jewelry
Gold has been central to Indian jewelry since the Indus civilization. Later periods saw the use of precious stones, pearls, gold, and silver in diverse, symmetrical designs such as rosettes and leaves for necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. In northern India, enamelwork was frequently combined with gold and silver, while Cuttack became celebrated for intricate silver filigree jewelry.12

Drinking Vessels
Vessels have been crafted in precious metals since classical times, often reflecting Hellenistic, Persian, or Islamic influences in their shapes. Techniques varied by region:1
* Southern India: Craftsmen utilized techniques such as applying silver sheet to copper, hammering vessels with traced decoration, or creating Baroque-style inlays of silver in copper.1
* Southwest India: Chased vessels featuring floral patterns, particularly the lotus, were common.1
* Northern India: Artisans were known for inlaying jade with gold and gems, as well as producing elaborate silver vessels for royal houses.1