Bringing Brass Back | The Golden Touch Your Kitchen Deserves
There’s something undeniably royal about brass. Maybe it's the golden hue that catches the sunlight just right, or maybe it’s the way it reminds us of grandparents’ kitchens, temple bells and old-school pooja rituals. Either way, brass isn’t just a thing of the past anymore. It's officially back and this time, it's taking over our kitchens with elegance, purpose, and a whole lot of glow.
In today’s fast-paced world, where minimalism often rules the design table, brass quietly brings balance. It’s not just about beauty, it’s about tradition, health, durability, and soul. From water jugs to spice containers, kadais to thalis, brass utensils are making a graceful comeback in Indian homes, and for all the right reasons.
What Is Brass? And Why Was It So Loved?
Brass, known as Pital in Hindi is an alloy made by combining copper and zinc. This blend gives it both the durability of copper and the softness of zinc, creating a metal that is antibacterial, heat-conductive, and resistant to corrosion.
For centuries, Indian kitchens used brass extensively, not just because of its longevity, but because of its Ayurvedic benefits. According to ancient Indian medicine, drinking from brass vessels helps balance pitta and kapha, improves immunity, and aids digestion.
But over time, as stainless steel and non-stick cookware became the norm, brass quietly faded into the background. Until now.
Why Are Brass Utensils Trending Again?
1. Health and Wellness Awareness
Modern families are looking for natural, toxin-free ways to cook and eat. Brass is believed to enhance digestion, purify water, and improve skin and hair health when used regularly.
2. Nostalgia Meets Luxury
Brass carries a nostalgic charm. When polished and styled well, it also adds a luxe aesthetic that feels timeless and Indian.
3. Sustainable and Durable
Unlike coated cookware that chips and peels, brass is recyclable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.
4. Cultural Reconnection
People are re-embracing Indian rituals, from cooking on mitti chulhas to lighting ghee diyas and brass fits beautifully into this return to roots.
Everyday Brass Utensils Making a Comeback
| Utensil Type | Common Use | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Brass Thali Set | Daily meals or festive dining | Boosts digestion, looks elegant |
| Brass Lota/Kalash | Drinking water, temple use | Purifies and cools stored water |
| Brass Kadai | Cooking sabzi, sweets | Even heat distribution, traditional look |
| Brass Ghee Pot | Storage and pooja | Keeps ghee fresh, perfect for rituals |
| Brass Spice Box | Masalas and dry spices | Keeps contents dry and aromatic |
Design Meets Tradition: Brass in Today’s Kitchens
Brass utensils have evolved beyond just function—they’re now statement pieces. Here’s how designers are integrating them into modern Indian interiors:
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Open shelving with neatly stacked brass bowls and pots
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Brass handles and faucets paired with matte black cabinetry for contrast
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Hanging racks for brass ladles and utensils for a vintage-industrial vibe
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Centerpiece displays using old brass urns or trays filled with fruits or flowers
It’s not about going full traditional, it’s about creating a fusion that feels rooted, yet refined.
How to Maintain Brass the Right Way
Brass is low-maintenance if loved the right way. Here's how to care for it:
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Use lemon and salt or tamarind pulp to naturally clean oxidized brass
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Avoid washing brass with harsh detergents
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Dry immediately after washing to prevent water spots
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For drinking water utensils, use only lacquer-free, food-grade brass
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Periodically polish with a homemade paste of flour, vinegar, and salt to retain its shine
Estimated Price Range in Indian Market
| Utensil Type | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Brass Thali Set | 1800 – 5000 |
| Brass Water Lota | 800 – 2200 |
| Brass Kadai | 1500 – 4500 |
| Brass Masala Dabba | 1000 – 3000 |
| Brass Ghee Pot | 500 – 1800 |
Myths and Facts About Brass Utensils
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Myth: Brass is toxic.
Fact: Brass is safe if not used for highly acidic foods like tamarind or lemon, and if it's not lacquered inside. -
Myth: Brass turns green, so it’s unsafe.
Fact: Brass oxidizes naturally. That greenish layer (called patina) is harmless and can be cleaned easily. -
Myth: Brass is high-maintenance.
Fact: With regular care, brass is actually more durable than steel or coated cookware.
How to Bring Brass Home- Without Going Overboard
Start with a few thoughtfully chosen items:
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Replace your regular masala box with a handcrafted brass one
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Use a brass thali or bowls for festive meals
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Keep a brass jug and glass set on your dining table for everyday water drinking
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Style your kitchen window sill with a brass pot and some greens
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Place a brass urli filled with water and flowers in your foyer or living room
Brass is like poetry, it works best when it’s scattered thoughtfully across a space.
Brass isn’t just another metal. It’s a story. Of ancient kitchens, of warmth, of Ayurvedic wellness, of Sunday poojas, of polished shelves in grandmother’s home. It is memory, craft, and function blended into one.
As we design modern homes filled with gadgets and gadgets’ gadgets, bringing in elements like brass reminds us to slow down. To cook with intention. To eat with mindfulness. To live in harmony with the past and the present.
So whether it’s a kadai for your Sunday halwa or a tiny lota tucked into your puja shelf, brass deserves a place in every Indian home.
At Livin Interiors, we help you plan spaces that blend beauty with practicality. Whether you want an open, closed, or hybrid kitchen layout, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of your home, no matter the walls.
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