Chitra Rao – craft close-up

Chitra Rao

Handicraft

Chitra Rao

Chitra Rao has been practicing Meenakari since 2018, specializing in the intricate art of decorating metal with coloured enamel. Designs are engraved onto the metal, filled with enamel, fired, and polished to create vibrant, detailed surfaces.

The Artisan

Chitra Rao has been practicing Meenakari craft since 2018, specializing in the intricate art of decorating metal surfaces with coloured enamel. Through precision and skilled craftsmanship, she creates detailed designs while contributing to the preservation and continuity of this traditional craft.

Artisan – Chitra Rao

The Craft

Meenakari involves decorating a metal base by engraving or creating designs, filling recessed areas with coloured enamel, and firing the piece to fuse the enamel. After cooling, the surface is polished and finished to reveal a smooth, vibrant decorative surface.

Craft – Chitra Rao

The Place

Bhopal's cultural heritage reflects a rich blend of royal traditions, Islamic architecture, tribal influences, crafts, cuisine, and vibrant local markets. The old city preserves historic mosques, traditional bazaars, and long-standing artisanal practices that continue to shape Bhopal's cultural identity.

Place – Chitra Rao

The Product

Meenakari craft is used to create decorative and functional products such as jewellery, pendants, earrings, bangles, rings, boxes, trays, utensils, and ornamental objects. These products feature vibrant enamel colours and intricate motifs, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary decorative applications.

Product – Chitra Rao
Bhopal, Madhya PradeshOrigin
MetalMaterial
EnamellingTechnique
Master ArtisanRecognition

Story behind the Craft

Meenakari is an ancient decorative craft that developed through the blending of Indian and Persian artistic traditions. Traditionally associated with royal jewellery and metalwork, the craft flourished through skilled artisans who passed down enamel decoration techniques across generations.

Contact : +91 94244 41618
Email: raochitra304@gmail.com