Kundanmälningar

Kundanmälningar, often anglicized as "Kundan paintings," refers to a traditional Indian art form characterized by the intricate inlay of gemstones and gold foil onto a surface, typically glass or wood. This technique is most famously associated with the royal courts of Rajasthan, particularly in cities like Jaipur and Bikaner. The name "Kundan" itself is derived from the process of heating and melting pure gold to create a malleable paste, which is then used to set the precious stones.

The creation of a Kundan painting is a multi-step, labor-intensive process. First, a design is meticulously drawn or traced onto the base material, often a piece of glass. Next, a layer of meenakari, or enameling, is applied to the reverse side of the glass, creating vibrant, translucent colors. Following this, the intricate Kundan work begins. Gold foil is pressed into patterns, and then a paste made from powdered gold and other binding agents is used to fix uncut gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, into place. The result is a richly textured and highly decorative artwork that shimmers with the brilliance of the embedded jewels.

Kundan paintings were historically commissioned by royalty and wealthy patrons for adorning palaces, private chambers, and religious artifacts. Today, the art form continues to be practiced, with contemporary artists adapting the traditional techniques to create a range of decorative items, jewelry, and framed artworks, preserving a significant aspect of Indian artistic heritage.