Savatlama

Savatting is a traditional jewelry making art form that involves applying a black colorful metal alloy to a surface by heating and melting it, particularly on silver. Those who practice this art are called "basket masters" or "savat artists." Savatting enhances valuable items with an aesthetic touch by adding fine lines or reliefs in black tissue on metal surfaces on.

^{Jewelry decorated with Savatting Art (Source:} Culture Portal⁾

The savatting technique can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Rome and the Byzantine Empire together, and became more widespread during the Middle Era. Used in jewelry in Rome, it gradually spread to Europe and reached its peak under Italian artisans of the Renaissance period. In the Ottoman Empire, savatting was widely applied to weapons, jewelry and everyday objects, and was also practiced in a similar manner in regions of Turkistan, Iran and Caucasus like. Today, this traditional craft is kept alive by a limited number of masters in regions such as Van and Eskişehir.

The savat alloy typically consists of a mixture of silver, copper, lead and sulfur. The preparation process involves melting these metals and then adding sulfur to produce a black metallic sulfide alloy. The resulting alloy is cooled and formed into dust, then inserted into recesses carved into the metal surface. The material is heated to 450 °C to fuse it with the metal surface. The depth of the savatting determines the shade of black, proportional to the amount of sulfur used.

The savatting process consists of three main stages:

1. Preparation of the Object: Designs are drawn with a pencil on the metal surface and grooves are carved to receive the savat.
2. Preparation of the Savat Alloy: Silver, copper, lead and sulfur are mixed to create the savat alloy. After cooling and grinding into powder, the alloy is applied to the metal surface.
3. Application of Savat: The prepared savat paste is placed into the heated grooves on the metal surface. The molten savat fills these recesses and solidifies upon cooling. The object is then smoothed with files or sandpaper and polished to complete the process.

The savatting technique is commonly used on silver jewelry and household items. Items such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and arch brooches, as well as tobacco trays, cigarette holders, scabbards and pans, are among the products decorated with savatting. Designs typically feature botanical, geometric and animal motifs. In regions such as Van and Eskişehir, local symbols and figures are incorporated into savat-decorated jewelry.

Savatting was widely practiced during the Ottoman period in cities such as Van, Erzincan, Bitlis and Eskişehir. In the 19th century, Van had 120 jewelry workshops, and savat-decorated items produced there were highly admired. Today continues to preserve this traditional craft, with only a limited number of masters in Van and other areas keeping it alive. In Türkiye, savat art is preserved as a cultural heritage, particularly in the settlements of Van, Eskişehir and Alpu important.