What techniques do you apply during your work?
Metal inlay, which is when silver or gold wires are hammered into engraved patterns on a steel background. To be more flexible, the wires should be made of soft metals, which is especially necessary if you want to make the delicate contour of a flower or stem.
What inspires your work?
Traditional Caucasian weapons, which are distinguished by their shape. In Georgia, damascene decorations often appear in the steel of sword hilts (handles), shields and other armour. This technique became typical for Tbilisi, a vibrant multi-ethnic city, which has been a cultural and economic centre of the entire Caucasus in the 19th century.
©Lasha Adamashvili
What advice do you have for a young person starting their career?
Our craft requires meticulous work and great attention.There are a few which have a feel for the materials: those that talk with their work (like I do), that interact with their work and have a special bond with it, are more likely to succeed.
How would you describe your approach to your work?
In the past, master craftsmen were regarded as people of high value to the State. And it’s human nature: the more you’re valued and appreciated, the more you try to do. Society today often forgets about people like us, but real Masters are stubborn enough to continue their work no matter what happens.