Brass Through Time – Craft, Culture, and Care in Modern Living

If Kansa is celebrated for its therapeutic grace, Brass tells a different story. A story of adaptability, resilience, and timeless warmth. Born out of chance when copper and zinc first met in ancient furnaces, brass quickly became more than an alloy. It became a mirror of civilization’s evolution. Its golden hue carried both practical strength and quiet opulence, finding a place everywhere, from grand temples to modest kitchens.

Long before it adorned today’s homes, brass shaped ancient life. Archaeological findings trace its presence in India as early as the Harappan Civilization, where artisans moulded it into ornaments, vessels, and ceremonial objects. In later centuries, it travelled across empires; valued in Rome as Aurichalum and in India as a medium for both artistry and ritual. Each culture left behind stories in brass, but its most enduring legacy perhaps lies in how ordinary families embraced it for daily use.

In contemporary India, brass craftsmanship thrives in pockets across the country. Jaipur’s engraved detailing, Varanasi’s ritual lamps, Saharanpur’s intricate patterns - all showcase the versatility of this alloy. Yet it is Moradabad that remains synonymous with brass. Here, generations of artisans continue to hammer, carve, and polish, turning sheets of metal into dinnerware, kitchenware, and decor that travel to homes across the world. At Fleck, we partner with these artisans, ensuring their craft remains relevant while adapting designs for modern living.

Brass’s appeal lies not just in its glow but in its practicality. It is strong yet malleable, enduring yet warm. A brass lamp lit during festivals radiates more than light; it carries the spirit of continuity. A hand-hammered thali at the dining table recalls centuries of shared meals. In every form, brass holds its place as both functional tool and cultural emblem.

Unlike fleeting trends, brass matures with time. Its surface changes, sometimes darkening, sometimes glowing brighter, yet each patina tells a story of use, care, and memory. Many households pass down brass pieces as heirlooms, allowing the metal to quietly connect generations. This longevity, combined with its recyclability, makes brass not only a sustainable material but also a responsible choice for homes today.

Brass has long been cherished in Indian homes not only for its beauty but also for the subtle wellness benefits it carries.

• Antibacterial properties – Copper content in brass naturally reduces microbial growth, making brass vessels safer for storing water or dry foods.

• Digestive support – Water kept in brass containers is believed to improve metabolism and balance acidity, aiding better digestion.

• Immunity boost – Trace elements from brass can positively influence immunity, supporting the body’s natural defense.

• Balancing energy – In Ayurveda, brass is thought to balance the three doshas - Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (earth & water) - bringing harmony to the body.

• Holistic daily use – Beyond food and water, brass has been a preferred choice for lamps and puja articles, symbolising purity and wellbeing in spiritual spaces.

These qualities, tested over centuries and reaffirmed by modern science, explain why brass remains not just ornamental but also integral to daily health practices.

Brass isn’t demanding. It simply rewards a little care with years of shine and strength. With the right cleaning routine, your brassware can remain both functional and beautiful for generations.

• Mild dish soap

• Warm water

• Soft cloths or sponges

• Non-abrasive brush or toothbrush

• Flour and vinegar (for tough stains)

• Lemon or tamarind pulp (for natural polish)

• Coconut oil (for nourishing finish)

• Mix mild dish soap in warm water.

• Dip a soft cloth or sponge and gently wipe the brass surface.

• For detailed designs, use a soft toothbrush to reach grooves.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

• Pat dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

• Make a paste of flour and vinegar.

• Apply the paste with a cloth or soft brush, gently rubbing the stained area.

• Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

• Dry immediately with a clean cloth.

• Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and rub gently on the brass item.

• Alternatively, use tamarind pulp to bring back shine.

• Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

• Once cleaned and dried, apply a thin layer of coconut oil with a soft cloth.

• Buff lightly to add a subtle glow and help protect the patina.

• Always wipe off excess oil to avoid residue.

• For pieces developing a heavier patina, use specialty cleaners sparingly.

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers. They damage the surface and strip the natural sheen.

• Store brass items in a dry place to prevent unnecessary tarnish.

At Fleck, we see brass as more than metal. It is a story of craft and continuity, of artisanship kept alive through evolving times. In its glow, one can see both the past and the present - rituals that endure, meals that gather us, and homes that are made warmer by its presence. Brass is not only part of history, it is also a part of how we continue to live, celebrate, and connect.