History of Copper Enamelling (Meenakari)
Copper enamelling, or Meenakari, is a stunning traditional craft where metal surfaces, typically copper, are decorated with colorful glass and intricate metalwork. This art flourished under Mughal patronage and was introduced by Raja Man Singh of Amber in the 16th century.
While the craft is widely known in Jaipur (where fine jewellery is made using copper enamelling) and Varanasi (notably for the Gulabi Meena style), the copper enamelling practiced in Alibag holds a distinct European influence.
Copper Enamelling Process
Enamelling itself is one of the oldest crafts known to mankind, with roots tracing back to ancient Greek times. Techniques such as cloisonné, where thin metal wires are used to create compartments on a metal surface, were developed by the Greeks and later adapted by various cultures, including the Byzantine and Renaissance artists.
Enamelling is one of the oldest crafts known to mankind but has very limited application in contemporary art.
Copper enamelling involves fusing finely-ground glass powder onto a copper base at high temperatures. The process requires careful attention to detail, as the copper sheets used must be of the right thickness to allow the enamel to melt correctly. The process includes several steps: applying flux (a base coat), applying colored glass powder in intricate patterns, heating the assembly multiple times, and finally cleaning, buffing, and lacquering the piece to protect it from oxidation. This results in vibrant and tactile creations full of rich textures.
Copper Enamelling in Alibag
Copper enamelling was introduced to Alibag around 50 years ago when the late Mr. Chandrakant Mhatre, a graduate from J.J. School of Art, learned the craft in Europe and brought it to India.
His workshop, which started in Mumbai, later moved to Alibag in 1972, to the “Mainuseth Cha Wada” in one of the villages along the Mumbai-Alibag highway..
Over the years, this craft supported a growing community of artisans, with 12-15 workshops mushrooming in the area. But by 2018, with the pressures of earning a livelihood, only two families continued the practice.
EkiBeki’s Intervention
Vishpala first connected with the copper enamelling artisans in Alibag in 2003. Over time, her relationship with the artisans deepened, and in 2017, she founded the EkiBeki Association to support these artisans. Through design collaboration, product development, and direct market linkages, EkiBeki has helped artisans create high-quality, contemporary products, including home décor and jewelry.
These designs are now open source for other artisans to sell through different channels, providing them with new market opportunities.
Creating new channels
Starbucks cafes tell a story through its own unique art and design, created in collaboration with artists from nearby communities. Considering the rich art and craft heritage of India, they wanted to use local craft to narrate coffee stories for their new store launches in the cities.
Starbucks partnered with EkiBeki to source the histories of local communities and neighbourhoods. Say hello to our siren at Jioworld Starbucks, BKC Mumbai
Impact
The impact of EkiBeki’s work can be seen in the livelihoods of artisans in Alibag. Sanjay Patil’s son, Vikrant, now manages the workshop full-time, while Prashant Vaidya’s son, Kshitij, and his daughter-in-law, Vaishnavi, both MBAs, have decided to stay in Bhaimala and contribute to the growth of the craft.
EkiBeki’s office is now located in Bhaimala, where local women have been trained and manage EkiBeki order fulfillment and inventory. These women have become aspirational figures within their village, managing multiple online platforms, processing orders, and scheduling deliveries.
Currently 12 more people have joined the workforce and 10 are under training. The order size has increased over three times in the last one year.
The demand for copper enamelling products has increased significantly, with orders more than tripling over the past year. The artisans are now facing the challenge of turning away orders during peak seasons, a "sweet problem" to have.
EkiBeki is also focusing on developing a new generation of women artisans, as many skilled artisans have been drawn to more lucrative jobs in nearby factories.
Reviving crafts
EkiBeki is helping to revive endangered crafts, ensuring that traditional artisans remain connected to their heritage while being empowered to adapt to contemporary markets. Through design, skill development, and market linkages, EkiBeki is ensuring the survival and growth of crafts like copper enamelling, one community at a time.
We are thinking of conducting a field trip to Alibag, spend the day at the workshop creating your own copper enamelled trinkets. Leave a comment here if you are interested
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