Traditional Wisdom meets Modern Thinking
A forlorn thathera once asked,
“Who will buy our parats and patilis in the modern day market?”
Also, we kept hearing people asking, “Is there any authenticity of brass products?”, “Why to invest in traditional cookware, does it serve any purpose?” We thought and thought about these diverse set of questions. And yes, P-TAL has answered these! We institutionalized the thatheras and with the help of our team of designers, our thatheras are producing contemporary designs to suit the modern markets around the world. Today, the walls of Jandiala echo the ‘Thak Thak’ all the more stronger. It is an overwhelming feeling too realize that so many lives have changed & so much more can be done for this exquisite craft.
About P-Tal
with ‘The’ se Thathera:
P-TAL (Punjab Thathera Art Legacy) is the story of a brand which started as a college project under SRCC, to revive India's only UNESCO listed craft form of Thatheras from Amritsar, Punjab. With an aim to become the No. 1 household brand of everything brass, copper and kansa; P-Tal has never shied away from honest & pure work. It has been time consuming, each product is uniquely designed and crafted but then if we are working for sustainability & health, this is the last that can be done.
Craftsmanship often refers to the skill and artistry involved in creating handmade objects. Different cultures around the world have their unique traditional crafts that have been passed down through generations. These crafts can include various materials such as metal, wood, ceramics, textiles, and more.
Thathera Art:
A Legacy of Traditional Metalworking
Thathera craftsmanship is indeed associated with a traditional metalworking craft known as "Thathera" or "Thathera art." This craft has its roots in Jandiala Guru, a town in the Amritsar district of the Indian state of Punjab. Thathera artisans are skilled in the art of making traditional brass and copper utensils, decorative items, and religious artifacts. The craft involves hand-hammering and hand-chiseling the metal to create intricate designs. The artisans use a variety of tools to shape and embellish the metal, showcasing their expertise in metal craftsmanship.
These handmade products often have distinctive designs that are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the region. The craft has been passed down through generations, with artisans learning the skills from their ancestors. The Thathera craft not only serves utilitarian purposes but also has cultural and artistic significance. The products crafted by Thathera artisans are often used in households, religious ceremonies, and are sometimes sought after as unique pieces of art.
Transforming traditions
into trends:
In the modern day & age, it becomes slightly difficult to mould traditional crafts with contemporary demands along with maintaining purity. There are several aspects that P-Tal keeps in mind while amalgamating the traditional wisdom with modern designs.
Quality and Excellence:
Craftsmanship, by definition, demands a commitment to excellence. Purity in craft ensures that every detail, from material selection to the finishing touches, aligns with the artisan's vision. A pure craft is free from compromise, resulting in products of unparalleled quality and durability. With our exclusive range of brass kadhai, fashionable ghee-pots or useful copper water dispensers; we are continuously trying to achieve this goal.
Cultural Integrity:
Purity in craftsmanship is intertwined with cultural heritage. Whether it's the intricate patterns of Thathera art or the precise joinery in Japanese carpentry, maintaining purity ensures the preservation of cultural identity. Craftsmanship becomes a vessel through which traditions are passed down and cultural narratives are sustained. It is an emotional bond between the artisan and the product as well as the user gets the satisfaction of traditional knowledge of brass cookware being a part of their households.
Timeless Appeal:
Craftsmanship that embodies purity possesses a timeless allure. Purely crafted items resist trends and fads, standing the test of time both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Such pieces become cherished heirlooms, transcending generations with enduring beauty and utility. It is undoubtedly the most sought after gifting option! The cocktail glasses gift set or an entire brass thali set are some rare designs by P-Tal.
Environmental Impact:
Brass is a recyclable material, and recycling it is an environmentally friendly option compared to producing new brass from raw materials.
Historical Significance:
Brass has been used since ancient times and has played a significant role in the development of tools, weapons, and decorative arts.
Applications of Brass
P-Tal Brass Kitchenware:
Brass utensils, for instance have been a significant part of Indian culinary system. Brass serve ware has been popular since the time of Indian maharajas and nobles where gleaming golden brass thali sets embodied a regal vibe. Similar, even in terms of cooking, brass utensils like peetal kadhai, peetal ladles, peetal handi etc. add an aroma that is beyond words
While the nutrition levels of such cooked food is higher, it also reflects the richness of craftsmanship and our past culture. It is no wonder that the safety of this metal was harnessed quite vehemently by our ancestors who used brass throughout in their daily lives. Brass utensils have a long-standing tradition in Indian culture, and they are often preferred for cooking and serving food for several reasons
Thermal Conductivity:
Brass has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. This property is beneficial for cooking as it allows for precise temperature control and uniform cooking of food.
Health Benefits:
Traditionally, it is believed that cooking in brass utensils imparts certain health benefits. Brass is said to have properties that contribute to the overall well-being of individuals.
Alkaline Nature:
Brass has an alkaline nature, and it is believed that cooking acidic foods in brass utensils can help balance the pH levels. This is thought to be particularly beneficial for individuals with imbalances in their body's pH.
Antibacterial Properties:
Brass is known to have natural antibacterial properties. The metal ions released from brass utensils during cooking are believed to inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria.
Aesthetics and Tradition:
Brass utensils are often considered aesthetically pleasing and are associated with traditional Indian culture. They are commonly used during religious ceremonies, festivals, and special occasions.