In a world flooded with synthetic materials, there’s an unparalleled allure to the touch of nature and the craftsmanship of artisans. Furniture crafted from natural materials are characterized by the distinctive imprints of the earth from which they are sourced. These materials, unlike standardized mass-produced counterparts, celebrate individuality, elevating the furniture’s intrinsic value.
Exclusive metals, like Sterling silver and untreated brass, are not static; they embrace their surroundings, morphing, and adapting. This transformation, termed as patina, is an emblem of the material’s journey, holding profound significance for design enthusiasts and collectors.
At House of Zowum, we shy away from artificial materials and heavy treatments that can make furniture look completely uniform. Instead, we hope to spread the word about appreciation of the raw materials and their inherent journey.
ZOWUM admired natural materials for their ability to evolve, to gain a patina, and to capture the journey of their interactions with the world.
The Distinctive Character of the Untreated Brass
Brass, in its untreated form, is a storyteller. The material, comprising primarily of copper and zinc, is receptive, echoing its interaction with the world. The brass used by us should be understood as a canvas – untreated and sensitive to marks. It was this very aspect of natural materials that Zowum admired – its ability to evolve, to gain a patina, and to capture the journey of its interaction with the world. When our craftspeople assemble the brass parts, they adorn white gloves, ensuring that the first touch, the first mark, is left by its new owner.
The Whisky Chair exemplifies the intrinsic exclusivity of brass. Designed with a hand-crafted brass tray, every piece resonates with the authenticity of the craftmanship. Being a soft material, brass is prone to marks and susceptible to scratches. As the brass remains untreated, it yields to oxidation, acquiring a unique character over time.
Though it is possible to polish the brass with the right products, the exclusivity of the brass isn’t in its gleaming shine but in its evolving character.
If you decide to polish the brass after all, please only use products specially made for cleaning metallics, such as wipes from Dr. Beckmann or Sterling Polish Company. Be aware that it requires patience and caution, especially when working close to the wooden components.
When in doubt please reach out to [email protected].
The Journey of Exclusive Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is shiny and flexible, and it speaks of luxury and timelessness. As an exclusive and natural material, Sterling silver isn’t immune to the effects of time and exposure. With time, it oxidizes, embracing stains and transitioning into a brown, dark hue.
Though it is possible to polish the silver inlays, we instead recommend to embrace the transformation, as the colour of oxidized silver will naturally match the warm colour of the walnut.
If you decide to polish the silver after all, please only use dry wipes from Sterling Polish Company that are specially made for silver. It is highly important to avoid all polishing agents as these will damage the wood. When in doubt please reach out to [email protected].
In its essence, silver isn’t meant to remain constant. Synthetic and superficial materials can remain unchanged while natural materials thrive in evolution. The key lies in embracing its journey and the stories etched on its surface.
At House of Zowum, we embrace patina. Those natural materials that make the expression of a piece of furniture change over time. When the finest materials are used, they age in the most beautiful way.