<i>Bidri ware is a special type of metal work with a deep black, smoothly polished background and shining silver inlay. The base used in <i>bidri is an alloy of zinc, copper and lead. Zinc and copper are mixed in a ratio of 16: 1. This alloy takes a black color when rubbed with a particular clay. It was found in the village of Bidar in South India. Inlay was done with silver wire. Deterioration and preservation methods are discussed. -- AATA