Bronze or Kansa as it is commonly known in India, is making a well-deserved comeback in today's homes by adding functional and elegance value to the modern kitchens and décor. This resurgence is a result of ancient wisdom being balanced with contemporary design elegance to bring the material to the 21st Century. This metal has as many names as it has uses, with Bronze being the global name and finding its place on Olympic podiums, it is more commonly knows as Kansa in northern India, it is also known as Bell Metal, Phool, or Kanh across various parts of India. Kansa has amassed these different names due to it’s varied history which started with its discovery around 4500 BC, when it revolutionised tool production during the Early Bronze Age, replacing stone tools and creating weapons and artefacts. Its endurance made it useful in ancient shipbuilding and it’s strength and ductility over metals like iron and aluminium makes it ideal for use in precision engineering, musical instruments and other applications where it has stayed the material of choice for decades and centuries.
Kansa holds great cultural significance and was revered as 'Lakshmipradham' in ancient India, equating its value to that of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. Bronze statues have historically signified gods and leaders from all cultures, adding to the regal impression one garners when studying them.
It’s fascinating to consider how skilled artisans must have crafted bronze with simple tools in early ages, a testament to techniques that still find use in modern homes. The methods used to create these artefacts have been passed down through generations, preserving the traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern needs. At Fleck, we are proud to make use of these conventional techniques and harness this generational wealth of knowledge by working with the artisans on these. Kansa was a staple in traditional homes commonly found in everyday items from cooking vessels to decorative pieces; demonstrating its versatility and enduring presence in domestic life.
Kansa derives its value from the combination of copper and tin providing it anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and detoxifying properties without compromising on strength and durability. It is known for its non-reactive behaviour with acidic foods, reducing acidity and enhancing alkalinity thus impacting the nutritional content of meals. Traditionally, Kansa was forged with a ratio of 78% copper to 22% tin, giving it a soft champagne gold colour and making it more durable than other copper alloys. Modern Kansa ware often uses an 88% copper to 12% tin ratio, which makes it shinier and more gold-like but diminishes its value and makes it more susceptible to oxidation. At Fleck, we maintain a ratio close to traditional standards, preserving Kansa's unique benefits without compromising usability, ensuring it doesn’t fall below an 80% copper to 20% tin ratio. This composition ensures our products harness Kansa's full therapeutic potential beyond its aesthetic appeal.
We at Fleck, are committed to keeping the traditional craftsmanship alive and it is evident in our approach to Kansa. By sourcing high-quality materials and working with skilled artisans, we ensure that each piece not only serves its functional purpose but also stands as a testament to the workmanship of the artisan. Our Kansa products are designed to integrate seamlessly into modern kitchens while honouring the historical significance and health benefits of this remarkable metal. We believe that every piece of Kansa tells a story – a story of ancient wisdom, enduring beauty, and modern relevance. By integrating Kansa into our daily lives, we not only honour a rich cultural legacy but also embrace a healthier way of living. Our collection of Kansa products showcases the lasting beauty of this metal and its versatility in everyday life.
Benefits
Kansa’s health benefits are extensively detailed in Ayurveda and various ancient texts, showcasing its long-standing reputation as a beneficial material in traditional health practices. Revered for its therapeutic properties, this metal was traditionally chosen for food consumption because it offers a range of holistic health advantages, such as:
- Alleviating inflammation
- Aiding digestion
- Boosting immunity
- Promoting overall gut health
It's purifying characteristics are valued for their calming effects on children, helping to alleviate tension and boost confidence.
In addition to its functional uses in the kitchen and on the dining table, Kansa also serves as a statement piece in home décor. Its warm, golden hue adds a touch of luxury to any setting, whether it’s a simple dinner with family or an elaborate gathering with friends. The timeless elegance of Kansa complements a variety of interior styles, from minimalist to traditional; making it a versatile choice for those looking to enhance their living spaces with a touch of history and sophistication.
Cleaning and maintenance
With all its beauty and benefits, one thing that prevents some people from taking the leap for Kansa is the perception that it is difficult to maintain and becomes unusable with time. However, this is not rooted in truth; the natural oxidation process creates a patina that enriches the metal's antimicrobial properties and enhances its health benefits. The other advantage it has over other metals is its non-corrosive nature which makes it is easy to restore its original sheen with minimal care.
Caring for Kansa is simple; regularly wash with mild detergent and a soft, non-abrasive pad, dry with a soft cloth and occasionally apply coconut oil to maintain its radiant sheen and durability. Check out the detailed guide below for more details.
How To Clean Kansa - Daily Maiatenance
- Gather your materials: Get some mild dish soap, warm water, soft cloths or sponges, and a non-abrasive brush.
- Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap into warm water in a bowl or bucket to create a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that will harm the Kansa surface.
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Cleaning Process :
- Initial Wipe Down: Dip a piece of clean soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water, and gently rub it on all over the surface of the Kansa item. It would help reduce surface dirt, dust and grime.
- Detailed Cleaning: For intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas, use a non-abrasive brush or toothbrush dipped into the soapy water to scrub gently on the surface. Pay special attention to crevices and grooves, where dirt can collect.
- Stubborn Stains or Tarnish: If you have any stubborn blemishes or tarnish, make a paste with some baking soda and water. Cover the problematic area with this paste; let it act for a few minutes to dissolve the stains, and later rub the area very gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Lemon Water or Vinegar: Dab a soft piece of cloth into lemon water or vinegar and gently rub it on the Kansa; this will increase the sheen and aid in removing tarnish. This acidic solution is effective at dissolving any tarnish while bringing out the natural shine of the metal.
- Rinse and Dry: When the cleaning process is done, rinse the kansa properly with clean water. Dry with a soft cloth by patting it so as to avoid water spots, taking care to leave no moisture.
How To Maintain Kansa
- Periodic Maintenance: Use a small amount of coconut oil and apply it with a soft piece of cloth onto the Kansa article. Gently rub the oil all over the surface and buff to a shine, thus keeping it radiant in sheen.
- Managing Tougher Patinas: For the tougher patinas, you can use specialty cleaners such as Vim Shuddham or Brasso. One should apply cleaner according to instructions, scrub gently using a soft non-abrasive pad, rinse and thoroughly dry to avoid residue buildup.
- Review your work: Inspect the Kansa article for any remaining spots or stains. The cleaning of targeted areas needs to be repeated, if required, until the whole surface is clean and shiny. If your kansa loses its shine, it can regain its shine by applying a fine paste of flour mixed with vinegar. Those are simple things that you can keep doing, keeping your Kansa items beautiful, functional, and healthy for ages.
Conclusion
The comeback of Kansa is more than a fad; it’s the rebirth of a legacy of craftsmanship that infuses the beauty of the past into modern lives. Exploring Kansa’s versatility in culinary endeavours and home décor continually inspires its ability to elevate everyday moments with understated elegance and functionality. As we continue to explore the possibilities of Kansa, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of this remarkable metal and its potential to enrich our lives in countless ways. Embracing Kansa is about more than just choosing a material; it’s about connecting with a tradition that values health and beauty. It’s about recognizing the importance of craftsmanship and the role it plays in creating products that are not only useful but also meaningful. We at Fleck are proud to be part of this journey, bringing the timeless elegance of Kansa into the modern world and helping our customers create homes that reflect their values and aspirations.