Brass and Copper Metal ware making is an ancient Indian craft and it indicates a rich Indian tradition. The Metal Crafts items are generally made using secular themes, but Lamps and Deepam are also made, that have religious usage. They symbolize Agni which is one of the most powerful gods in the Indian Mythology.
A rich variety of patterned trays are also available here. There are a huge number of lamps available here. These include the Standing Lamps, Aarthi, Deepalakshmis, Hand Lamps and Chain Lamps. Moreover you can also avail of patterned trays and shallow dishes from here. These shallow dishes come in various shapes and forms like circular, hexagonal, octagonal and oval shape. They are generally prepared from sheet brass.
The popular designs in the plates are deities, birds, flowers and some geometric shapes. These patterns are carved out from copper and silver sheets. Then they are encrusted on a brass tray, koodam and paachpatra. These constitute some exclusive religious items.
The metal trays are rich in models of horses, cows and elephants. Then the metal ware item is polished for use in the market. The most famous item of Tamil Nadu Metal Ware is the Bronze Casting. They are still governed by the canons of iconography.
The bronze figure is generally measured by thala. This is actually an approximate distance from chin to the forehead. Some of the most remarkable statues of Tamil Nadu have been cast from both bronze copper and they belong to the Chola Period. Nowadays the Panchaloha has become very popular. The outstanding figures depicted in Bronze are the statues of Lord Shiva dancing his cosmic dance. There are dozens of other Bronze castings that are famous in Tamil Nadu.
