HOW IS HAMMERING DONE?
The copper in sand form is melted and processed as plaques in different size and thickness. After being cooled down they’re ready to be formed by hammer masters.
Artéquité copper plates are originally called ‘lengeri’; in the past southeastern Anatolians were using them as rice plates.
WHY NOTCHED BORDERS?
At the time when these plates were commonly used, this specific form would prevent the plate from sliding off the wooden drying shelves.
Lengeri is a complete work of hammering.
The border motifs are formed by fine hammer beats called as ‘dorsal fin’ or ‘straight’ borders.
THE FINE WORK:
It’s only a 250gr hammer and a steel pen that are used to form the fine work. After the artisan decides about which motif he’s going to carve on the copper he gets the measures by a pair of compasses and starts drawing the main lines.
A sharp edged ink pen is used to draw the main motif that is going to be repeated on the surface. When all the main motifs are drawn, the carving starts. Spots that are not carved are exposed to a process called as ‘combing’ to form a fine background for main motifs.
When carving and combing is done, a black paint is prepared with the mixture of granulated Lebanese cedar, spirit and soot.
This paint is gently fed into the carved and combed surface.
Then it is rubbed with emery paper.
Since they’re closer to the surface main motifs get more noticable and the combings stay dark, untouched by the emery paper.
The plate is cleaned and tinned. The process of tinning does not affect the dark complexion of the combed surface. Main lines come upfront.
The aging comes next. Twenty-five percent granulated Lebanese cedar, %50 spirit and %25 soot is mixed to prepare the same black paint, which is applied after combing.
The plate is soaked in the paint and rubbed with emery paper.
The soldered ring at the back is the last touch before this fine piece decorates your interiors.
