Craftsmanship and capitalism have long been quarrelled upon. One side of the coin has sculpture artists who breathe life into the lifeless metal. The other side of the coin has machine-made statues that are remarkably smooth and have distinct shapes but lack the soul.

The modern consumer is a little in favour of handmade brass idols, and the reason is purely emotional. Handcrafted brass statues have a distinct character, and the artisan makes sure to carve the statue to perfection intricately. This unique perfection is the reason why handcrafted brass statues, especially brass god idols, stand out and are in demand in the artefact market.

Why Handcrafted Brass Idols Stand Out

Handcrafted pieces of work have a soul that is carved by the artist's multiple strokes. Machine-made pieces lack a basic fundamental of art – story. Handmade brass idols have a legacy of their own, which makes them pricier and more in demand in the market.

Craftsmanship And Detail

The first and foremost difference between machine-made and handmade statues is the craftsmanship and detail.

  Machine Made

Although machine-made brass sculptures have fine lines and are exactly shaped, the intricate detailing lacks character. Every brass idol made using machines has preset dimensions and does not have uniqueness.

  Handmade

Brass statues made by skilled artisans have a greater value as each piece is unique, having intricate details that differentiate it from other pieces. The detailing done by the artisan adds character to the brass idol and enhances its visual appeal.

Spiritual Connection

Another reason why handmade brass statues stand out in the market is the spiritual connection that they have with the artist, art form and figure.

  Machine Made

Idosl, especially brass god idols, made by machines, follow an industrial process that does not involve any rituals or traditional practices. The sole motive of industrial produce is to make a profit rather than keep the art alive.

  Handmade

Many art forms use brass as a raw material to make statues, and each art form has its own ritual and procedures. The artisans follow these rituals while making the statue, which adds a heritage to the statue. 

Customised Material Quality

Another reason why handmade brass sculptures are better than machine-made statues is that they can be better customised to meet specific quality standards. Although the material used can be the same, the difference lies in the process and treatment of brass.

  Machine Made

These brass statues can also be of the same material but do not have the aesthetic strength to maintain their beauty over time. That is why machine-made statues often tarnish very easily.

  Handmade

Artisans have an abundance of knowledge and experience, which enables them to differentiate between different qualities of brass and customise it as per the client's requirements, making it more personalised.

Environmental Impact

Making a brass statue involves multiple steps, be it handmade or machine-made. The steps involved in making brass statues have environmental implications and add to the pollution in the surroundings.

  Machine Made

Brass statues made in the factory have a greater carbon footprint as they involve greater waste production per unit. This environmental impact increases manifolds as the production is on a mass level, further worsened by transportation pollution.

  Handmade

Statues made by artisans are very economical as they have a lesser negative impact on the environment. This lower impact on the environment further adds to their value and makes them a better choice than machine-made statues.

Cultural Narrative

Every brass sculpture art generally originates from a region and has its own set of procedures to make the statue. This cultural narrative behind the handcrafted brass statues, especially brass god idols, beats their machine-made counterparts.

  Machine Made

The main motive of bulk production is to earn a higher margin on every unit. This means that the statues need to be made as quickly as possible. This implies that no rituals are followed while making such statues that deprive their heritage values.

  Handmade

Handcrafted statues have a rich story behind their art, which is connected to the age-old traditions of how they are made. This makes handmade idols more rich in terms of heritage attached to their origin.

Support To Local Communities

A big reason why modern consumers prefer handmade idols is because they want to support the local community and help the art to thrive and stay alive.

  Machine Made

Statues made using machines are a labour-intensive method that eats away the job opportunities of artisans who possess more knowledge and wisdom about the art. This capitalist method of production

  Handmade

Whenever you purchase a handcrafted brass idol, it gives a positive encouragement to the artisan. This motivation has been fueling the survival of traditional sculpture-making techniques for ages. This is another reason why people love to buy artefacts made by artisans’ bare hands.

Why Handmade Brass Idols Are Costlier?

The cost of handcrafted brass statues is a cumulation of various factors that make them much more costlier and beautiful at the same time. Let us examine why these statues are so costly and what value each factor provides to the customer. 

1. Immense Labour

Handcrafted brass statues need a lot of time to finish to perfection as it involves processing the statue across various stages. This extensive process can be seen in the finish and unique appearance of each statue that lures the customers.

2. Use Of Traditional Tools

Artisans use traditional tools and methods to make these statues, which often adhere to the traditional norms of the art. This use of traditional tools gives a distinct character to the statue.  

3. Customisation Options

Skilled craftsmen provide you with ample customisation options, as you can even order a custom-made brass statue. This level of customisation is not available in factory-made status, which makes handmade brass idols much more costly.

Key Takeaways

Indian handicrafts market continues to grow amidst this cold war between craftsmanship and capitalism. Although handmade brass sculptures are preferred over their factory-made counterparts, the lack of distribution channels and robust marketing has shackled this age-old craft to its native regions.

If you are also looking to buy Indian handicrafts online, then you can visit our website, as we bring you the centuries-old craft of sculpture-making to your desk. Choose from a wide variety of god idols, pooja items, table decor and wall decor. Order yours today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are handmade brass idols better than machine-made idols?

Handmade brass idols have intricate details that reflect the artisan's skill, making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure with a unique spiritual significance.

2. Why is brass used to make idols?

Brass is chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal and is believed to be a pure metal in Hinduism. It symbolises purity and prosperity, making it ideal for creating god idols.

3. Is brass idol good for home?

Absolutely! Brass idols enhance the spiritual ambience of your home, attract positive energy, and serve as beautiful decorative pieces that connect you to your cultural roots.

4. Which is the best website to buy god idols online?

For exquisite handmade brass idols, choose Ethnic India Handicrafts. We offer you a curated collection of brass idols that are perfect for your home.

5. How do I keep brass god idols shining like new?

To maintain their shine, regularly clean your brass idols with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals to preserve their beauty and spiritual essence.