Know our Process

At Snow Lotus, the creation of our silver products is a labor of love and skill, beginning with the selection of the finest raw materials. Our artisans start by sourcing high-quality silver, ensuring its purity meets our rigorous standards of 92.5 percent. Once the silver is acquired, the intricate process of crafting begins. Let's take, for example, our signature silver Diya. 

First, the silver is carefully melted and poured into molds to create the desired shape of the Diya. Skilled craftsmen then meticulously carve and shape the molten silver, using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations. Each curve and contour is carefully sculpted to perfection, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and functional integrity.

Once the basic shape of the Diya is formed, the artisans move on to the intricate detailing. Using specialized tools, they painstakingly etch intricate patterns and designs onto the surface of the Diya, drawing inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Whether it's floral motifs, geometric patterns, or religious symbols, every design element is meticulously crafted with precision and care.

After the detailing is complete, the Diya undergoes a series of polishing and finishing processes to achieve its signature luster and shine. Our artisans meticulously polish every surface, ensuring a flawless finish that reflects the light beautifully. Finally, the Diya is inspected thoroughly to ensure that it meets our exacting standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The result is a stunning piece of art that not only illuminates your home but also celebrates the rich heritage and craftsmanship of India. Each Snow Lotus Diya is a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of our artisans, and we take pride in bringing these exquisite creations to you, straight from the heart of India.

STYLE BY REGION

Kutch – region located in west India, featuring scrolling, foliate birds or animals. The style is sometimes referred to by its capital, Bhuj.

The silver from Kutch in Gujarat, in far western India, is heavily embossed, filled with all-over curves and arabesques. The patterns appear quite abstract and are often embellished with wonderful details such as a teapot handle fashioned in the shape of a serpent, or a spout in the form of an elephant’s head.

Kashmir – a region in the extreme north, incorporates intricate foliate designs featuring elements of the chinar leaf, poppy plant and arabesque motifs.

Kashmiri work is softer, less sharp and more condensed. Located in North West India in the Himalaya Mountains the region has exquisite natural beauty which has been extolled by rulers and travelers for centuries. Drawing from the trees and plants in these beautiful surroundings, the silversmiths used motifs of chinar leaves, poppy plants and other local fauna to adorn their work.

Bidri - Originating from the quaint town of Bidar in Karnataka, Bidri artistry is renowned for its exquisite silver engraving on a lustrous black alloy of zinc and copper.

In the realm of Indian handicrafts, few art forms command the reverence and admiration bestowed upon Bidri art. Originating from the quaint town of Bidar in Karnataka, Bidri artistry is renowned for its exquisite silver engraving on a lustrous black alloy of zinc and copper. This centuries-old craft, steeped in history and tradition, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide with its intricate designs and timeless allure.

Calcutta – a city in the west of India which was an important center of trade in British India, silversmiths adopted styles from other regions in India

It was in Calcutta, in 1790, that the British East India Company first began the trading business that would, by 1858, lead to its control over all of India. Hamilton & Co. was the first British silversmith to set up shop in Calcutta. The pieces they produced in Calcutta, mainly for British consumption, were of polished silver with smooth lines and minimal decoration. Later on, in Bhowanipore , a suburb of Calcutta, local silversmiths created elaborately designed, repoussée, and chased scenes of Indian village and farming life, with human figures, animals, and trees.

Lucknow – located in northern India, depicting foliate motifs, jungle life, and village scenes. 

Lucknow silver had three major motifs: the jungle, with groves of date palms and various animals, such as dogs, bears, deer and birds; coriander leaves and flowers; and hunting scenes, with lions, tigers, and horses.

Madras – located in southern India, produced silver in the ‘Swami’ style, with deities and Hindu religious scenes depicted in relief.

The region is rich in its legacy of Hindu bronze sculptures and temple architecture. During the Raj Period, silver produced in Madras became known to the British as “Swami silver,” because of its decorative gods and other sacred festival themes.