'Kannadi' means mirror in Malyalam and Aranmula is a small village in the Indian state of Kerala.The Aranmula mirrors are a special kind in the sense that these are not the silvered glass mirrors.It is a front surface reflection mirror which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations. Aranmula kannadi is a handmade metal alloy mirror and the exact metals used in the alloy is kept as a family secret.Very few families are now engaged in the mysterious mirror making process.
Many metallurgists believe it to be an alloy of copper and tin but the proportion is still unknown.It is polished for several days to get the reflective surface.Every Kerala bride gets one such Aranmula Kannadi as part of her wedding trousseau.It is one among the eight auspicious or 'ashtamangalyam'.It is considered to bring luck,wealth and prosperity in one's home. Aranmula Kannadi are bestowed with Geographical Indication tag.
Aranmula kannadi is 100% handmade.It is a unique kind of handheld mirror and hence a little pricey too! The diameter of the reflective surface of the mirror, the shape ,the frame size and the art work on it all are factors that contribute to the pricing of the Aranmula Kannadi.
If you happen to be in Kerala and want something unique that gives a taste of the region,you can have a look at these handmade beauties.
Images: Pinterest
3 comments:
wow... something unusual about mirrors... must keep in mind for any future visits to kerala!
I knew about this. But could not own one. May be in my visit to Kerala I will buy one.
Looks beautiful. At first glance it looks like made from tusk.
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