A touch of brass for interiors

No doubt the once walled city is known for its unique culture, food, bangles, pearls and lifestyle. But many are unaware of the fact that it also boasts of brass idols that are sought globally for imparting a new and different touch to the interiors.

Visit Murghi Chowk at Lad Bazaar in the old city and you find a series of outlets offering brass idols of different sizes and shapes. Right from the popular soldier idol, Lord Ganesha and Balaji idols to Charminar replicas in the metal, the place offers various brass articles that are used by many as gifts for their dear ones.

You can also scout for bed lamps, mirror frames, corner stands, flower pots, pen stands etc made of brass that add charm to your house and present a fascinating look. Name a few and you will find them in plenty that too in different sizes and weights.

The good thing about brass idols is that they are maintenance free and suit for all seasons. All you have to do is clean them regularly with a cloth and make sure they are kept away from water as the polish fades on coming in contact with water, says Javed Khan, a trader at Murghi Chowk.
Price

If brass idols and articles are good for all seasons, then prices for these idols are the best and economical here. While a half foot soldier idol costs Rs.150, the bigger ones measuring three feet comes at Rs.1,450. Likewise, mirror frames range from Rs.120 to Rs.450, Ganesha idols from Rs.50 to Rs.3,500 (three feet), says Mr. Javed.

“There is definitely a difference of at least 20 per cent in the prices quoted at Murghi Chowk to those in showrooms and other markets. That is the reason, traders from Delhi, Kolkata and other northern States flock here to make bulk purchases,” says Syed Iqbal, owner of Iqbal and Sons Brass Article Dealers.
Idol making

But the hard work involved in making an brass idol or article is very taxing. Generally, these are made from aluminium and later a brass coating is given. First, rough sketch is made using POP, then a pre-cast dye of the idol or the article is prepared and then moulded according to the curves and measures, explains Mr. Iqbal.

It does not end here. Once an idol is ready, it is given an acid wash, buffed and followed by a final metal polish. There are different workers for taking up different stages of idol making. As a result, old idols are given new metal polish and broken idols are joined to perfection at Murghi chock, says Mohd. Muzzafar Ali, who masters buffing and moulding of the idols.

To top it all, there are several artisans who upon presenting a photograph of a person, make an idol out of it. Depending on the size and weight of the material used, rates are charged; however, if you are shopping in the old city, you should be good at bargaining, alerts, Mr. Ali.