Artisan – Sunil Soni
Craft – Thewa
The Thewa plate crafted by Sunil Soni is a fine example of traditional Thewa art, originating in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, in the mid-18th century.
This craft, passed down through generations, involves intricate workmanship using silver, 23-carat gold, and glass. At the center of the plate, angels or fairies are depicted dancing the dandiya, surrounded by a floral pattern that symbolizes a wedding pavilion. The outer circle features a series of detailed scenes, including a wedding procession with the groom on an elephant, the wedding ceremony, and the bride’s farewell in a palanquin. It also includes depictions of various worship scenes, such as the Gangaur festival, Satyanarayan worship, Shivaratri, and Holi celebrations.
The creation of this plate involved layering a sheet of silver with a 23-carat gold sheet over warmed lac. The design was meticulously etched into the metal, and excess parts were removed to achieve a filigree effect. These segments were then placed on glass and fused together.
The Thewa plate, free from any chemical components beyond the metals used, has a lasting shine that, with proper care, will endure for generations. This exceptional piece earned Sunil Soni the National Award in 2017 and took two years to complete.
