Chowk,
Sacred enclosure within an auspicious square whose four corners face the four cardinal directions.
Sacred enclosure within an auspicious square whose four corners face the four cardinal directions.
Churra,
The Afghan knife or churra, also called the Khyber knife, although used mainly by the Afghans, has had a wide distribution in India from Mughal times. Indian Museums and Armouries have this weapon in large numbers. The blade can measure anything from 30 centimetres to 70 centimetres and the longer Afghan churra can really not be included in the category of a dagger. The weapon is single edged and its characteristic feature is a perfectly straight back blade. The back edge is thick and reinforced to form a T-shaped cross section. The front edge of the blade tapers gradually from the hilt to the point. The hilt is formed by two hafts of wood, horn or bone, rarely ivory. The lower part of the hilt generally carries an ornamented metal mount. The sheath is wooden, covered with leather or velvet and is reinforced with a metal mount at the tip.
The Afghan knife or churra, also called the Khyber knife, although used mainly by the Afghans, has had a wide distribution in India from Mughal times. Indian Museums and Armouries have this weapon in large numbers. The blade can measure anything from 30 centimetres to 70 centimetres and the longer Afghan churra can really not be included in the category of a dagger. The weapon is single edged and its characteristic feature is a perfectly straight back blade. The back edge is thick and reinforced to form a T-shaped cross section. The front edge of the blade tapers gradually from the hilt to the point. The hilt is formed by two hafts of wood, horn or bone, rarely ivory. The lower part of the hilt generally carries an ornamented metal mount. The sheath is wooden, covered with leather or velvet and is reinforced with a metal mount at the tip.
Cire Perdue; Lost wax metal casting,
As the name suggests, the lost-wax technique involves the creation of a solid or hollow replica of wax or a wax-like substance, of the image to be cast. The wax from this replica is melted and allowed to flow out, leaving a void to be later filled in by molten metal. Unlike reusable moulds of modern casting technology, the lost-wax method requires each metal image to be created afresh from a different mould so that no two images can ever be identical. The technique of solid casting is predominant in the South, mainly in Tamil Nadu (Swamimalai in Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Chingalpet and Salem), Bangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, Palghat in Kerala and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, that of "hollow" casting (in which case an inner clay mould is required) is largely prevalent in Central and Eastern India.
As the name suggests, the lost-wax technique involves the creation of a solid or hollow replica of wax or a wax-like substance, of the image to be cast. The wax from this replica is melted and allowed to flow out, leaving a void to be later filled in by molten metal. Unlike reusable moulds of modern casting technology, the lost-wax method requires each metal image to be created afresh from a different mould so that no two images can ever be identical. The technique of solid casting is predominant in the South, mainly in Tamil Nadu (Swamimalai in Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Chingalpet and Salem), Bangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, Palghat in Kerala and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, that of "hollow" casting (in which case an inner clay mould is required) is largely prevalent in Central and Eastern India.
Clay throwing,
The process of creating clay forms on a potter’s wheel. A ball of prepared clay is thrown on to a revolving wheel; it is then centred and shaped using the hands. The resultant objects are symmetrical around the central axis.
The process of creating clay forms on a potter’s wheel. A ball of prepared clay is thrown on to a revolving wheel; it is then centred and shaped using the hands. The resultant objects are symmetrical around the central axis.
Cloisonné,
The enamel is contained within wire cells (cloisons). These wires are usually fired onto a base coat of flux (a clear transparent enamel), then filled with wet enamel. The wet enamel is often applied with quill in layers, a technique known as wet packing. The piece is fired after each layer has been applied.
The enamel is contained within wire cells (cloisons). These wires are usually fired onto a base coat of flux (a clear transparent enamel), then filled with wet enamel. The wet enamel is often applied with quill in layers, a technique known as wet packing. The piece is fired after each layer has been applied.
Coal,
Now refers to deposits of fossilized plant remains that have been subjected to moderate heat and pressure to partially converted to carbon and other hydrocarbons. As the original deposits formed in anaerobic swamp conditions coal often is contaminated with iron sulphide. The sulphur from these sulphides make coal unsuitable for many metallurgical processes without conversion to coke. Coal was used extensively for smithing in the Romano-British period, even in regions well outside the coalfields. The term coal (in various spellings) was applied to what is now know as charcoal, with coal being referred to as mineral coal, or sea coal.
Now refers to deposits of fossilized plant remains that have been subjected to moderate heat and pressure to partially converted to carbon and other hydrocarbons. As the original deposits formed in anaerobic swamp conditions coal often is contaminated with iron sulphide. The sulphur from these sulphides make coal unsuitable for many metallurgical processes without conversion to coke. Coal was used extensively for smithing in the Romano-British period, even in regions well outside the coalfields. The term coal (in various spellings) was applied to what is now know as charcoal, with coal being referred to as mineral coal, or sea coal.
Coal tar colours,
Colours obtained by distillation and chemical treatment from coal tar, a product of coal during the making of gas.
Colours obtained by distillation and chemical treatment from coal tar, a product of coal during the making of gas.
Cobalt,
A metallic element with atomic number 27, atomic weight 58.93, density 8.9 g/cm3. The element was produced unknowingly by Georg Brandt in 1742, but was not identified until 1780 when Bergman recognized it as new element. However, cobalt compounds had been used to colour glass from at least 1500 BC.
A metallic element with atomic number 27, atomic weight 58.93, density 8.9 g/cm3. The element was produced unknowingly by Georg Brandt in 1742, but was not identified until 1780 when Bergman recognized it as new element. However, cobalt compounds had been used to colour glass from at least 1500 BC.
Cochineal,
Red insect mordant dye, obtained mainly from the parasite Dactylopius coccus O. Costa, which lives on prickly cacti plants.
Red insect mordant dye, obtained mainly from the parasite Dactylopius coccus O. Costa, which lives on prickly cacti plants.
Codified Traditional Knowledge,
Codified traditional knowledge is “traditional knowledge which is in some systematic and structured form, in which the knowledge is ordered, organized, classified and categorized in some manner.” In the field of traditional medicine, for example, the Traditional Medicine Team of the World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes between (a) codified systems of traditional medicine, which have been disclosed in writing in ancient scriptures and are fully in the public domain, e.g. Ayurveda disclosed in ancient Sanskrit scriptures or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) disclosed in ancient Chinese medical texts; and (b) non-codified traditional medicinal knowledge which has not been fixed in writing, often remains undisclosed by traditional knowledge holders, and is passed on in oral traditions from generation to generation. In South Asia, for instance, the codified knowledge systems include the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is codified in the 54 authoritative books of the Ayurvedic System, the Siddha system, as codified in 29 authoritative books, and the Unani Tibb tradition, as codified in 13 authoritative books. Another distinction has been made, namely between (i) traditional knowledge which has been codified, i.e., traditional knowledge which appears in written form, and which is in the public domain; and (ii) traditional knowledge which is not codified and which forms part of the oral traditions of indigenous communities. The “List and Brief Technical Explanation of Various Forms in which Traditional Knowledge may be Found” discusses codified traditional knowledge and non-codified traditional knowledge further.
Codified traditional knowledge is “traditional knowledge which is in some systematic and structured form, in which the knowledge is ordered, organized, classified and categorized in some manner.” In the field of traditional medicine, for example, the Traditional Medicine Team of the World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes between (a) codified systems of traditional medicine, which have been disclosed in writing in ancient scriptures and are fully in the public domain, e.g. Ayurveda disclosed in ancient Sanskrit scriptures or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) disclosed in ancient Chinese medical texts; and (b) non-codified traditional medicinal knowledge which has not been fixed in writing, often remains undisclosed by traditional knowledge holders, and is passed on in oral traditions from generation to generation. In South Asia, for instance, the codified knowledge systems include the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is codified in the 54 authoritative books of the Ayurvedic System, the Siddha system, as codified in 29 authoritative books, and the Unani Tibb tradition, as codified in 13 authoritative books. Another distinction has been made, namely between (i) traditional knowledge which has been codified, i.e., traditional knowledge which appears in written form, and which is in the public domain; and (ii) traditional knowledge which is not codified and which forms part of the oral traditions of indigenous communities. The “List and Brief Technical Explanation of Various Forms in which Traditional Knowledge may be Found” discusses codified traditional knowledge and non-codified traditional knowledge further.
Coke,
Coke is formed by heating suitable coal under partially reducing conditions to drive off the volatile components and reduce the sulphur content. Initially, coke was produced in clamps in manner a very similar to that of charcoal, but later retorts were used so that the gas evolved could be used to heat other parts of the processes involved. The change from the use of charcoal to coke in iron smelting, pioneered by Abraham Darby at Coalbrookdale after possible experimental work in the Bristol brass industry, was important one of the essential steps of the industrial revolution.
Coke is formed by heating suitable coal under partially reducing conditions to drive off the volatile components and reduce the sulphur content. Initially, coke was produced in clamps in manner a very similar to that of charcoal, but later retorts were used so that the gas evolved could be used to heat other parts of the processes involved. The change from the use of charcoal to coke in iron smelting, pioneered by Abraham Darby at Coalbrookdale after possible experimental work in the Bristol brass industry, was important one of the essential steps of the industrial revolution.
Cold Press Paper,
Cold Press Paper a rough/textured/toothy surface type that is ideal for decorations.
Cold Press Paper a rough/textured/toothy surface type that is ideal for decorations.
Collage,
Work of art created by gluing bits of paper, fabric, scraps, photographs, or other materials to a flat surface.
Work of art created by gluing bits of paper, fabric, scraps, photographs, or other materials to a flat surface.
Color,
The hue, value, and intensity of an object. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue; every color except white can be created from various blending of these three colors.
The hue, value, and intensity of an object. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue; every color except white can be created from various blending of these three colors.
Colour block,
A block, usually of wood, filled with felt to facilitate the printing of bigger areas of colour with as little unevenness as possible.
A block, usually of wood, filled with felt to facilitate the printing of bigger areas of colour with as little unevenness as possible.