UK seeks buyer to prevent export of rare Bidriware Indian tray

The UK government has deferred an export licence application for a rare Bidriware tray dating back to 17th century Karnataka to encourage a buyer to keep the artefact in Britain.

UK Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism Michael Ellis blocked the export of the ‘Tear Shaped Bidri Tray’, made by an unknown craftsman from Bidar and priced at nearly £75,000, last month. “The Tear Shaped Bidri Tray highlights the style, detail and innovation of metalware produced on the subcontinent during this influential period in world history, Ellis said. “When considering its unique nature, it is right that we do what we can to preserve this valuable item for the nation,” he said.

The UK’s Dept for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said a decision on the export licence application for the artefact has been deferred until April 17, which may be extended till July 17 if an intention to raise funds to purchase it by an individual or institution emerges.

The ministry said the tray is deemed to be of a rare size and shape and unparalleled finesse. It has been created in the metal-working technique known as Bidri, the name deriving from the capital city of the Bahmanid Sultanate in Deccan, a major Muslim kingdom of medieval India. Experts believe the tray highlights Indian superiority in metallurgy, the scientific study of metals when it was made.