BELL METAL

 Bell metal is a hard alloy used for making bells and related instruments, such
as cymbals. It is a form of bronze with a higher tin content, usually in
approximately a 4:1 ratio of copper to tin (typically, 78% copper, 22% tin by
mass). The higher tin content increases the rigidity of the metal, and increases
the resonance. It also has industrial uses, being specified for valve
bodies,piston rings, and bearings.

Metallurgy
Tin and copper are relatively soft metals that will deform on striking (though tin to a
lesser extent than copper), but alloying creates a metal which is harder and less
ductile and also one with more elasticity than one of the metals alone. This metal
combination produces a tough, long-wearing material that is resistant
to oxidation and subject only to an initial surface weathering. Verdigris forms a
protective patina on the surface of bells which coats it against further
oxidation. Specifically, it is the combination of low internal damping and low internal
sound velocity that makes bell metal specially suitable for resonant percussion
instruments.

Traditional Dhokra Crafts from Tribals of

Chhattisgarh, India
Dhokra/Bell Metal Craft

 The BELL METAL or DHOKRA is one of the earliest known method of metal
casting. This craft dates back to pre-historic time of Harrappa and Mohenjodaro
period of Indus Civilization.
 Dhokra metal casting is perhaps the only living tradition of metal image making
in Eastern India. The technique has managed to survive many centuries and
change of dynasties owing to its modesty of application in everyday lives if
traditional tribal people of BASTAR, Chhattisgarh, INDIA by more than 10,000
traditional tribals. Artwork is done with hand, without any advancement of
technology.The unique 13 stage process of DHOKRA/BELL METAL making is
the original creative instinct of the craft persons, which is a beautiful
amalgation of art and science.
 The ancient art of cire-perdue or lost wax thread method of metal casting is still
used by the tribal people of BASTAR, from Chhattisgarh over a last 200 years.
They do not attempt to dominate or outwit the natural forces. But have learnt
to live in harmony with them. All available natural resources are utilized to
their optimum potential.
 The DHOKRA/BELL METAL castings of figurines and different animals with
their antique look, fits in with interior decor. DHOKRA/BELL METAL is an alloy
of brass, nickel and zinc that gives an antique effects of the castings.
 Earlier craftsmen used to create only traditional ritualistic items and decorative
pieces but now with new designs inputs, there has been a lot of product
diversification, resulting in numerous innovative utility items like door handles,
lamp shades, hangers, boxes and caskets of different shapes and sizes. More
than 10,000 unique old tradition and new design products are available right
now and continuously increasing.

 Our entire collection is designed by experienced designers, having a good sense

of arts, style and trends as well as its specific requirements. Our collection is
acknowledged for its creativity, design and exclusive products that are beyond
comparison. An ecstatic collection of products that are designed in vibrant and
distinct styles to suit the requirements of prospective customers. You can be
assured that when you order us accent, you are receiving the finest in hand
craftsmanship.

 All Our products are traditional craft which are 100% Eco-friendly. It stands a
part in its performance projecting the present required awareness to
ecologically friendly handicraft and handmade products. It is well known fact
that all tribal craft are based by concept and by process, which does no harm to
its heritage and environment. In fact by rituals and by folklore of this craft they
communicate with there upcoming generation to keep them as necessary
tradition. All these have survived for centuries. This is main reason that world
wide all tribal artwork is more pronounce than handicrafts of other region.

 A wide variety of designs and styles in Dhokra Crafts/Arts inspired by the

varied cultures of the different Indian states make excellent decorative pieces.
We are specialized in providing specific styles of your choice also. Such
products like Nandi, Horse, Elephant, Ganesha, Candle holder, Candle stand
are ethnic in design and specific in patterns.
 We are in the league of manufacturers of quality products, who have epitomized
their manufacturing operation by using quality raw materials.With a rich
heritage, profound professionalism and experience & expertise in the trade, we
are all set to create a niche for ourselves in the world market.
Usage
1.Bells
 Most commonly, as per its colloquial name, bell metal has been and is used for
the casting of high-quality bells. The metal used is a high-
tin alloy of copper and tin with approximately a 4:1 ratio of copper to tin (78%
copper, 22% tin).[4] This is a much higher tin component than that used in
statuary bronze.
 A range of percentages of tin content can vary from 20 to 26%, depending on
the founder who has arrived empirically at their own alloy ratio. It has been
found that increasing the tin content increases the decay time of the bell strike,
thus making the bell more sonorous. Taking into consideration overall
properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, wear resistance, cast quality,
sound, and cost, the optimum alloy can probably be obtained by having a type
bronze composition as: 20wt.%Sn, < 2wt.%Ni, < 1.5wt.%Pb, ~0.01wt.%P, <
1wt.%Sb, with balance of Cu.[5] Bell metal in this range of ratios has been used
 for more than 3,000 years and is known for its resonance and "attractive
sound."[2] The crystal lattice formation of this alloy is able to absorb high-impact
energies, such as from a bell clapper, without distortion, which is the case
when the bell is struck.[4][2] This results in a resonant sound and causes the bell
to vibrate strongly in a complex nodal system.
 In Russia, church bells are commonly cast with a unique mixture of copper and
tin, often with silver added, to produce their unique sonority and resonance,
mastered early in Russian Christian history.

 In esoteric Buddhism (e.g., Vajrayana), handbells and singing bells may be cast
with a special 5-Metal alloy. Each of
the metals represents one of the 5
Metal Buddha Wisdom Buddhas / Wisdoms:
There is no standard proportion to the
metals used in this alloy, although it
Copper Amitabha Discriminating is often around 75% copper and 20%
tin with low proportions of the other
metals. A 7-Metal alloy containing
All- trace amounts of silver and gold
Tin Amoghasiddhi (representing Absolute and Relative
Accomplishing
Truth) is also sometimes used. A
similar alloy is employed for
the gongs, saron, demung, and
Zinc Akshobhya Mirror-Like numerous other
struck metallophones of the
Indonesian gamelan ensembles. In
Iron Ratnasambhava Equality this case the tin:copper ratio is
traditionally given as 3:10 by weight.
Whereas bells are cast and then left to
cool, the metal of Indonesian gongs
Lead Vairocana Dharmadhatu and metallophones is cast as rough
blanks which are then hot-forged to
their final shape with hammers.

2.Cannon
Bell metal was used to cast many early Spanish, Portuguese and Malay[nb 1] cannon,
most notably the Javanese cannon known erroneously as lantaka.[nb 2] In Java, bell
metal mixtures including tin were also used for the manufacture of figurines, objets
d'art, sculptures and household goods for the wealthy. This material was also adopted
by the Javanese-influenced cultures of Thailand, Khmerand Myanmar. Bell metal is
particularly prized for its excellent sonorous qualities, also found in bell metal
cannons which produce a distinct, loud ring when fired.
The Javanese lantaka was first cast in bell metal under an Empu of the
early Majapahit Empire and spread into the surrounding islands of the Nusantara,
Javanese skill in gunsmithing and cannon-founding affording military dominance over
the surrounding area. Later, disaffected smiths and noble entourages emigrating
from Java brought these cannon-founding skill
to Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Myanmar.[8][9] When Ternate was captured by the
Spanish, they were astounded to find over 3000 very finely cast bell metal cannon in
the walled compound, although humorously to the Spaniards these were tied upright
to veranda poles, used as phallic-lingam household decorations rather than
weapons.[7] The Spanish and Portuguese were equally astounded to find their
European bronze cannon offerings to the Javanese rejected as inferior in quality, as
they rightly were.
4.Utensils
In India, in the state of Assam, it is called kanh while in West
Bengal and Odisha, kansa, and is used for cooking and eating utensils. Sarthebari in
Barpeta district of Assam holds a unique place in the production of kanh utensils. In
Assam, utensils of kanh have many religious uses and the most unusual
utensils, bata and banbati, are used to give offerings and puja or to show respect to
honored guests and dignitaries. Belaguntha in Ganjam district, Kantilo in Nayagarh,
and Balakati near Bhubaneswar are well known for this craft in Odisha.