Behind the Design

Warm Autumn Hues of Copper Furniture

September 26, 2014

If you love the warm rich hues of autumn in your home's interior design then you're sure to love La Fuente Imports Copper Furniture Collection . This furniture is constructed from reclaimed wood and repurposed copper. Sourced from abandoned local haciendas and structures, the reclaimed wood takes on a second life and helps reduce pressure on forest resources. Discarded, damaged and unused copper is collected, re-forged and hand-hammered into spectacular copper tops, panels and accents.

Traditional copper work in Mexico has its origins in the pre-Hispanic period, mostly limited to the former P'urhépecha Empire in what are now the states of Michoacán and Jalisco. The reason for this was that this was the only area where copper could be found on the surface. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the Spanish took control of copper production, introducing European techniques but still needed indigenous labor. Copper work, like other crafts, was principally organized in Michoacán under Vasco de Quiroga. It is not known when the town of Santa Clara del Cobre came to specialize in the production of copper items, but it was well established by the mid-18th century.

Copper extraction remained centered on Michoacán during the colonial period but most of the production gave out by the 19th century. After the Mexican Revolution, copper smiths of Santa Clara were limited to working with scrap metal making pots, plates, casseroles and other containers. Today, it remains home to hundreds of copper smiths which work in ways little changed from the colonial period.

Santa Clara del Cobre is where traditional copper working in Mexico survives. There are at least 2,000 copper smiths working in over 300 workshops in the municipality. Most of the workshops in the town operate much as they did in the past, receiving various exemption from federal labor laws and tax breaks designed to preserve the craft.

The rich colors of red, brown, orange, yellow and black are fired directly into the copper of our Mexican Copper Furniture. As the colors are random and not controllable, each piece is truly unique. The nature of the hammering is critical as to how the copper wears. The copper in this collection is hand-hammered using the optimal depth and spacing for preserving the appearance of the copper over time with use, scratching, and abrasion, while also allowing one to easily write on a sheet of paper on the same surface. The copper is also sealed with clear paste wax for protection. All the reclaimed wood has been thoroughly fumigated to eliminate insects. A dark brown wood stain is applied that is durable and water resistant. All iron work is also hand-forged and stunningly detailed.

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