The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation is busy making 2,300 of the plates in Thanjavur. "As many as 2,000 plates are ready while the rest are being given final touches," said an official of the corporation. Thirty artisans involved in Thanjavur plate-making for generations have been roped in for the project. The state government has allotted a sum of Rs 25 lakh for the plates.
The art plates are a replica of the logo for the Tamil conference with an embossed image of saint poet Thiruvalluvar. Silver, brass, and copper are encrusted to each other to create this piece of art. With brass as the base, silver is used in high relief on the reddish copper, creating the striking appearance.
The Thanjavur art plate was developed during the rule of Maratha king Raja Serfoji II in 17th century and has been nurtured by the artisans for three centuries. The art plate recently got into the geographical indications registry, giving it immunity from duplications made in other parts of the country.
Usually Thanjavur plates depict Hindu deities or floral designs, but the logo of the Tamil meet is being made without compromising on the grammar of art plates. Though it is called a plate, an artisan requires the skill of a heavy metal worker, a sculptor and a jeweller to make the artefact with finesse. "The plates would be ready by June 15 and then sent to Coimbatore,'' said the handicrafts development corporation official.
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