Aranmula Kannadi, meaning the Aranmula mirror, is a handmade, metal-alloy, first surface mirror made in Aranmula, a small town in Pathanamthitta in the state of Kerala. Unlike normal "silvered" glass mirrors, it is a metal-alloy mirror or first surface mirror or front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors.
Aranmula Kannadi is a unique metal mirror reflecting rich culture as well as mythological heritage of Kerala. They have great historical and cultural value, and are thought to bring good luck. The mirrors are considered one of the eight auspicious items or "ashtamangalyam" used in the entry of a bride at a wedding venue.
As traditional as the mirror making technology is the artisans belief that the metallurgical composition of the mirror is divine. No other similar mirror is available anywhere in the world and it is the rarest handicraft of its kind. Each and every process of its production is done manually without help of any machine.
Image credit : aranmulakannadi.org
They are produced by one extended family in Aranmula. The exact metals used in the alloy are maintained as family secrets; metallurgists suggest that the alloy is a mix of copper and tin, so a type of speculum metal, counting as a bronze mirror. It is polished for several days to achieve the mirror's reflective surface.
An alloy with the copper and tin are responsible for the distortion free images. This highly brittle high-tin-bronze also known as Speculum Metal yields a highly polished surface and a clear reflection image and are very popular for clarity. This mirror has also has got telescopic effect on its image i.e. distant objects can be seen near by.
The clay available in the Aranmula Grama Panchayat is peculiar and of better quality which is playing a lead role in moulding and casting. The highly reflected surface of the mirror is according to the local belief due to the addition of some herbal powders to the molten metal whose identification is known only to few members of the artisans.
The process begins with an alloy of copper and tin, known as ‘vishwakarma loha,’ melted to create a molten metal. This molten metal is then carefully poured into a clay mold, and what emerges is far from perfect in the conventional sense. Artisans painstakingly polish the mirror’s surface by hand, using an amalgamation of wax, resin, and oils. This method, known as ‘Kattil thadam,’ contributes to the mirror’s clarity and sharpness.
The origins of the Aranmula kannadi are linked to Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. According to legend, centuries ago the royal chief brought eight families of temple artisans and craftsmen from Tirunelveli district in present day Tamil Nadu to Aranmula to create the mirrors in the temple.
Aranmula Kannadi is known for its durability and timeless beauty. Once polished and mounted, it never loses its sheen and can be used for years together. Each mirror is unique, as they are all handmade and no two mirrors are the same. The Aranmula Kannadi is also known for its intricately crafted brass holders.
Valkannadi's are the traditional models of aranmula kannadi. it comes with a handle, and some models are having a hook on the back. Back stand mirrors are the type of mirorrs comes with a stand on the backside, so that you can put up the mirror on table.
The fixed stand models add stability and convenience, allowing you to place them on your vanity, dressing table, or any desired surface with ease. Each mirror is a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship. These are the big size variants usually bought to place in luxury houses, resorts, hotels, museums etc
GI Tag Registration Date : 19 September 2005
GI Tag Number : 03
Certificate Number : 02
Geographical Area : Kerala
Special Cover Release Date : 13 October 2021
Cancellation : Aranmula 689 533
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : KL-29/2021
Enlarged View of Illustration
Enlarged View of Cancellation
Back Side Scan
No comments:
Post a Comment