Patterns drawn by hand onto paper is placed on a copper alloy sheet. A nail and hammer is used to tansfer the image by creating pin prick dents on the sheets. Repousse and Chassing follows.

 

Vehara was formed after a return visit to Cambodia in 2006 where two Cambodian sisters, Intan and Sakinah, fell in love with the beautiful and intricate works of Cambodia's silversmithing artisans. They realized that the ancient art of silversmithing in Cambodia was dying due to a lack of demand, exposure, recognition and understanding by the rest of the world.

Vehara's aim is to help promote Cambodian artisans and their unique works by harnessing their knowledge and skill and merging it with Vehara's contemporary designs. Present in every piece of the range are the symbolic engravings of ancient Cambodia (see the engravings on the background of this website). Vehara's product range is a mixture of in-house designs and traditional pieces that have been created to have uses in the home. One example of a traditional Cambodian design is the silver fruit series . Vehara has adapted it for dual use. It serves as a decorative piece as well as a candle votive through the use of wax beads and wick in the packaging.

Vehara's collection of unique, silver plated items has been individually hand crafted. Each piece in their collection has a life of its own due to the difference in styles and techniques of the various artisans. The artisans used by Vehara come from silversmithing families who work in the tranquillity of their homes. They are their own masters and set the rate for the pieces they produce. They do not work in factories under harsh conditions unlike the clothing and other industries in third world countries. Silver smithing in Cambodia is still very much a cottage industry.

The materials used by the artisans are also recycled with the exception of the silver. The base material of Vehara's silver plated range is recycled electrical wiring that has been melted down. For more information on Cambodia's silver smithing industry, process of making a silver plated piece and product care, please click here.