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Brassware
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) | Pembarthi (Telangana) | Mannar (Kerala)
Brassware’s golden sheen has long signaled both artistry and utility in Indian homes, from temple lamps in Kerala to ornate paan daans in Uttar Pradesh. This traditional Indian craft, rooted in regions like Moradabad, Pembarthi, and Mannar, involves shaping and embellishing brass—a copper and zinc alloy—into objects of daily and ceremonial significance. Artisans specialize in sand casting, sheet metal work, and intricate engraving, producing everything from utensils and religious idols to decorative vases and jewelry boxes.
Brassware production starts with melting copper and zinc, pouring the alloy into molds, and then refining each piece by hammering, engraving, and polishing. Techniques like lost-wax casting, sand molding, and detailed chiseling are common. Artisans use tools such as thapis (mallets) and pointed chisels, often engraving freehand or from memory. Finishes range from high-gloss to antique patinas, and ornamentation may include colored lac or silver coating in some regions.
Today, brassware remains a vibrant craft in clusters like Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh), Pembarthi (Telangana), Mannar (Kerala), and Budithi (Andhra Pradesh). Artisans continue to produce temple lamps, puja accessories, utensils, and contemporary decor, often for both domestic and export markets.
Unique to Indian brassware is its blend of utility and artistry—each region’s motifs, forms, and finishes reflect local heritage. Moradabad’s floral arabesques, Pembarthi’s secular designs, and Kerala’s temple lamps all hold strong positions in the craft market, prized for durability and intricate workmanship. Brass’s resistance to tarnish and adaptability ensures its continued appeal in modern interiors and rituals.
Material
Brass
Technique
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