12-day National metal casting camp inaugurated
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, January 27 2017:
The 12-day National Metal Casting Camp was inaugurated today at Sharma Arts and Crafts House, Khongman Zone-3E Imphal.
The camp which is organised by Sharma Arts and Crafts House, Imphal in collaboration with Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Centre, Kolkata, will continue till February 7 .
Meghachandra Kongbam, Director, Department of Information and Public Relations and Prof Th Tombi Singh, president, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal, graced the inaugural function of the camp as chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Meghachandra Kongbam, said the participants will learn the typical art-works of metal casting found in Manipur as well as the art of selling the products to the masses.
In Manipur, metal casting is still a cottage industry and localized close to Imphal.
Bell metal, locally known as Senjeng, is an important metal not only for the manufacture of household utensils but also for objects of arts as well.
Metal products of the State have their own distinct shapes and derive much of their aesthetic vitality from the wax hollow casting technique by which they are made.
Besides bell metal, other metals used are brass, copper and bronze.
Ceremonial items like Senga, betel nut container and large sized bell with the image of Guruda at the top are also popular.
Plain metal bowls as well as those with surface decoration are in constant demand, the chief guest said.