Aranmula Kannadi- This is traditional aranmula mirror.
The uniqueness of mirror lies in the fact that it is not made of glass. The exact metals used in the alloy are mixed with copper and tin before being polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface. In a normal mirror, the image is formed from the inner surface. However, in Aranmula Kannadi, light can get reflected from the outer surface (i.e., from polished metal surface) which gives a perfect image. The mirror is usually kept in room temperature away from direct heat and dust.
This crafting metal mirrors is a tradition of Kerala that goes back 500 years. Archaeological excavations at Harappa have yielded a mirror made copper with a five inch diameter. The Rig veda also mentions the presence of the metal mirror. The ancestors of this craft could have migrated to South India from Saptha-Sindhu and are descendants of the great masters of the Indus Valley civilization.
In Aranmula a heritage village on the banks of the Pamba river, a group of skilled, metal-casting artisans make these mirrors. The mirrors received a geographical indication (GI) tag
Mysterious in its beauty, the metal mirror is believed to bring prosperity to your home. Aranmula Kannadi is a wonder to the world because of its specialty. A 45 cm tall Aranmula Kannadi is preserved in British Museum located at London, UK. Geological indication has taken the potency of Aranmula kannadi.
It is believed that keeping an Aranmula kannadi/mirror in the house brings prosperity and luck to the owner. For this reason, it is given as a gift during weddings and housewarming ceremonies. People are typically intrigued that a mirror made of alloy has reflective properties like a plane glass mirror, and also surprised that the alloy is brittle.
This is a 100% manually crafted product. No machines are using for its making. So, the actual design and/or texture might slightly vary when compared to the images displayed here.
Instruction for Uses:- Keep the mirror under room temperature away from heat and dust. Do not touch by fingers on the reflective surface. Finger prints with the moisture should be cleaned off immediately preventing corrosion. The moisture will spoil the mirror and frame.
MAINTANANCE PROCESS:- S
prinkle the red-oxide powder and talcom powder on the mirror and hold it in slant position allowing dust and other particles rolled off from the reflective surface. Use cotton wool to rub the surface softly and smoothly in vertical direction (up and down).
Frame polishing- On the frame you can use any metal polish (Brasso or Dara). In case of any fungus formation due to careless handling just use few drops of edible oil on the affected portion with the fingers and rub it for one or two minutes and then clean it as mentioned above. The red-oxide process of cleaning can be repeated continuously five times or until you get the original reflection.
Do not use any other metal polish on the mirror.
