Koftgari, How is it done?

Pukka Bundook · 16th March 2007, 03:29 PM

For a while, I have been wondering how Koft-gari was done.
I know the sort of basics,........Silver/gold hammered onto a roughened background, but was the overlay hammered onto a larger area, then a graver used to shape the overlay into the very fine designs often encountered, or were these fine designs somehow created, and then applied?

I also realise that there are different styles of this work which must be carried out in a somewhat different manner.
Any pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you,
Richard.

Jeff Pringle · 16th March 2007, 05:58 PM

Mostly, the designs are cut from foil or built up with very fine wire, but you can trim and shape the design with engraving after it is set as well. The technique is traditional in many countries, and the best overview of the process I was able to find on the web is from Japan:
http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/0813/f0813.html
(click on 'production' for the step by step process)
It is also described in "On Divers Arts" by Theophilus, a German monk c. 1120 AD, and in Untract's "Jewlery Concepts and Technology", the big reference tome of how-to for jewelry makers.

kronckew · 16th March 2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Pringle

...and the best overview of the process I was able to find on the web is from Japan:
http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/0813/f0813.html
(click on 'production' for the step by step process)
...

very interesting website. i especially noted the bit where the deliberately oxidised steel is simmered for 30 minutes in tea for the tannins to stop the rust and blacken the oxide. i'll try that on my next rusty acquisition that is safe to immerse in tea......

Battara · 16th March 2007, 10:48 PM

With India/Middle Eastern koftgari, the area is engraved in cross hatch design and then the soft pure wire is hammered into place. It is technically an overlay.

Jens Nordlunde · 16th March 2007, 11:42 PM

The Indians used inlay, koftgari and something some call false koftgari. I will come back to the question to morrow, but now only mention that there was a very big difference in the costs of making these different kind of decorations, due to the work involved and due to the amount of gold, silver and copper which was seldom used.

Pukka Bundook · 17th March 2007, 05:54 AM

Jeff,
Thank you for the link, It goes a long way to explaining things!
I knew the gold or whatever was hammered onto a hatched back-ground, but didn't know if design was cut before or after.
Thank you for the reply.

Kronckew.
The tannin does sound an interesting thing to try!

Battara,
Yes i sort of understood this, but it was the details I wanted to know. Jeffs link shows at least One way of doing it,........Suppose there are lots of others!
Jens,
I look forward to your further reply!

Richard.

16th March 2007, 03:29 PM	#1
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Koftgari, How is it done? For a while, I have been wondering how Koft-gari was done. I know the sort of basics,........Silver/gold hammered onto a roughened background, but was the overlay hammered onto a larger area, then a graver used to shape the overlay into the very fine designs often encountered, or were these fine designs somehow created, and then applied? I also realise that there are different styles of this work which must be carried out in a somewhat different manner. Any pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you, Richard.

16th March 2007, 05:58 PM	#2
Jeff Pringle Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 189	Mostly, the designs are cut from foil or built up with very fine wire, but you can trim and shape the design with engraving after it is set as well. The technique is traditional in many countries, and the best overview of the process I was able to find on the web is from Japan: http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/0813/f0813.html (click on 'production' for the step by step process) It is also described in "On Divers Arts" by Theophilus, a German monk c. 1120 AD, and in Untract's "Jewlery Concepts and Technology", the big reference tome of how-to for jewelry makers.

16th March 2007, 10:48 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,229	With India/Middle Eastern koftgari, the area is engraved in cross hatch design and then the soft pure wire is hammered into place. It is technically an overlay.

16th March 2007, 11:42 PM	#5
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	The Indians used inlay, koftgari and something some call false koftgari. I will come back to the question to morrow, but now only mention that there was a very big difference in the costs of making these different kind of decorations, due to the work involved and due to the amount of gold, silver and copper which was seldom used.

17th March 2007, 05:54 AM	#6
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Jeff, Thank you for the link, It goes a long way to explaining things! I knew the gold or whatever was hammered onto a hatched back-ground, but didn't know if design was cut before or after. Thank you for the reply. Kronckew. The tannin does sound an interesting thing to try! Battara, Yes i sort of understood this, but it was the details I wanted to know. Jeffs link shows at least One way of doing it,........Suppose there are lots of others! Jens, I look forward to your further reply! Richard.