Indian brass statues have for the longest time governed the hearts of devotees and art lovers, as symbols and treasures of religion, culture, and artistic technique. Though not as regal as bronzes or as precious as gemstone art, there is something unique about brass statues and decor that attracts the eye and appeals to the heart.
In this blog, we will go through the process and technique of making brass statues, will visit the major Indian centers of brass statue making, will take a quick look at the expert-trusted maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep tips to keep brass statues in their best condition and towards the end, will see how you can add brass statues in your interiors, home decor or temple.
Technique of Making Brass Statues: An Ancient Process Kept Alive
The method of crafting brass statues is one of the most ancient and painstaking processes. Named “lost wax” or “cire-perdue”, the technique was first mastered by the craftsmen of the Harappa civilization, who made some of the most timeless pieces of metal art.
- The process begins will making a wax model
- It is then placed in clay
- The wax is melted away to leave space for liquefied metal
- Molten brass is poured into the clay cast
- After cooling the metal and cast, the mold is broken to obtain the statue or artwork
Once the statue is out of its cast, the process of refining, carving, engraving, and polishing begins.
- Statues are often handled by experts trained in adding fine details- motifs, ornaments, or facial features with tools like hammer and nail
- The statue is thoroughly polished to give it a smooth finish and shine
- Any piece broken during the process is reattached to the statue through blowtorches by hand and the statue is polished once again to refine its look
- An acid bath is given to the statue to even its appearance further and viola, a splendid brass statue is ready!
Do you know the local centers, the locations of the homes of the brass artists from where these golden artworks are collected and supplied all over the world?
Major Centres of Brass Statue Making in India
Aligarh, Moradabad, Jaipur, and parts of Puri and Tamil Nadu are famous for their traditional and modern brass art.
Aligarh- Located in western Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh is more popular as the city of locks, but comparatively few people know about its craftsmen who supply masterpiece brass statues to a global customer base.
Moradabad- Or Muradabad (Hindi), the city is relatively more well-known than Aligarh and is home to trained metal artists who work with brass to create beautiful sculptures.
Jaipur- Richly decorated brass statues and objects of everyday use are created in the city of Rajasthan.
Puri- Idols of Hindu deities inspired by their icons in the ancient temples of Puri and surrounding regions are sculpted by the local artists of this seaside city.
Tamil Nadu- Kumbakonam and a few towns in the vicinity create some of the most beautiful and intricate brass statues, often taking inspiration from the Tamil bronze icons and temple art.
Tips for Cleaning, Maintenance, and Upkeep of Brass Statues
Brass is known for its sturdy, unfading, and durable properties which can be maintained effortlessly if you know the right tips to clean and preserve your favorite sculptures and artworks.
- Dusting the brass statue on a regular basis is a simple but effective way to ensure that it shines bright and looks beautiful for decades.
- In addition to regular cleaning, polish the brass statue and pieces with polishes made specifically for this metal. Lemon and salt, olive or coconut oil, and other natural methods are also effective but always go through a trusted guide online before picking a polish or cleaner for brass.
- Do not use any chemical or harsh materials such as coarse or unclean cloth or abrasive cleansers for brass statues. Over time, such practices could cause a change of surface color or chip off the metal.
- Place the brass statue inside your home or office, in a place with no or low humidity, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Brass Statues in Your Space: A Guide to Transform with Tradition
It all depends upon your budget, space, Vastu requirements, and taste, but here are a few tips that will help you include brass statues in your interiors.
- Brass statues as centerpieces are a classic for a reason. The golden luster, intricate carving, and symbolic value of brass statues make them an instant hit even in minimally decorated spaces. A piece like the Tree of Life or statues of Hindu gods and goddesses could add a spiritual touch to your home or office and are an effortless option if you want to instantly amp up the space.
- Small brass statues make for an eye-catching accent piece. Shelves, tables, and mantels can be easily turned into a cozy home for your favorite small statues. You can welcome a small icon of your favorite deity or bring a decorative brass statue, especially if you want to include the metal in your space, but do not want to go overboard.
- Brass artworks like Urli, Deepalakshmi, Namaste Lady, and lamps have a luxurious vibe that will be perfect for festivals. You can get one of these, or create a festive corner in your space by adding more than one brass piece to give it a vibrant and traditional ambiance.