Slow craft, by hand, in Jaipur

Hand-pressing and etching the dial

Each dial begins as a flat blank of brass. Fine minute lines and a symmetrical pattern are pressed and then hand-etched in shallow depressions, creating a relief that catches the light at oblique angles.

Applying Kachhi Meenakari in Jaipur

The dial is then sent to a master karigar in Jaipur, where Kachhi Meenakari — a technique of cold enamelling — is applied by hand. Mineral pigments are laid into the etched depressions one colour at a time. Where most enamelling depends on a kiln to fire and fuse the powder, Kachhi Meenakari sets cold. The result is a quieter, deeper finish that holds onto the texture of the etch beneath it.

Why no two are alike

Because every line is drawn and every grain of pigment placed by a human hand, no two dials are identical. The piece numbered #07 of 21 is its own object. So is #08.