Bidri ware

Indian inlaid metalwork made from a high-zinc alloy, characterised by its black surface colouring. Takes its name from the Deccan city of Bidar, the earliest pieces dating from the late C16.

Bidri is the name conventionally given to objects made from the high-zinc alloy and inlaid with silver or brass, or a combination of both. After manufacture, the zinc alloy is turned black by applying a paste containing ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate and sodium chloride.