A Fusion of Gold with Glass
The Thewa Art Work is a unique form of jewelry making that boasts of completely handcrafted pieces of elegance, royalty and sophistication. First presented to the Prince of Mewar by Nathu Lal Sonewal in the 18th century, the craft soon caught the attention of the neighboring royalties. The art was later patronized by Maharaja Sumant Singh of Pratapgarh and the title Raj- Soni was bestowed upon Nathu Lal Sonewal for his talents and skills. The title and heritage have since then passed on to his descendants.
A perfect blend of Indian heritage, Thewa is an art work where royalty meets tradition and culture meets trends. The word Thewa is derived from the local dialect of the region and means ‘setting’. The making of Thewa art is a detailed and intricate process that requires the efforts of skilled artisans. The process involves beating gold pieces into thin sheets and then setting them into glass or mirror objects. Since each piece is completely hand crafted, it may take almost a month for artisans to finish an article. Major themes used in creation of designs may include scenes from royal life, hunting scenes with elephants, deer and lions, images from mythology, peacocks, flowers or scenes from royal weddings. The uniqueness of this craft lies in the fact that it is completely handcrafted. All designs are created by hand without the use of any modern machinery.
A Royal Heritage
Enriched with heritage that is deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic traditions of Rajasthan, the Thewa Art is appreciated for its exquisite beauty and intricate craftsmanship. A symbol of royalty, wealth and artistic prowess, the art form adorned the courts of kings and queens. The making of this art form requires exceptional skills, patience and precision. Each piece of art carries a cultural significance as the designs depicted are usually from Hindu mythology, royal courts, nature or folklore. Despite the passage of time, the art form has sustained, with many artisans practicing the craft with complete dedication even today.
