COPPER – the material of Venus.

“Alchemy is the art that separates what is useful from what is not by transforming it into its ultimate matter and essence”.

Paracelsus

Copper had a resurgence in the design world a couple of years ago, perhaps sparked by the launch of Tom Dixon’s iconic copper pendant lights, which brought the material back into popular consciousness. Copper’s ‘moment’ has endured due to the soft, warm, reflective glow that it creates, sitting comfortably between the coldness of silver/chrome, and the grandeur of gold. 
My eyes were drawn to a stand of beautiful copper vessels embellished with crystals at a recent design trade show which led me to think more about its symbolism through the ages and the perceived health benefits.
Copper is far more than a passing trend, it has long been used and celebrated for its sacred properties. Copper is one of the seven planetary metals, linked to Venus, both the planet and the goddess.
According to Ayurveda, the ancient ‘science of life’ hailing from India as far back as 6000 BC, a copper vessel has the power to supercharge its contents to bring our bodies and minds into balance.

Much more than a hint of metallic warmth in a contemporary light fixture, copper has had a ritualistic and ceremonial element since ancient times. Copper artefacts date back to around 8700 BC when the material was associated with the goddess Aphrodite/Venus in mythology and alchemy, owing to its lustrous beauty and soft glow. The island of Cyprus is regarded as the home of both Venus and copper where it has been extensively mined since antiquity – the word copper itself is derived from Cyprium ae meaning ‘Cyprian metal’ which became the Latin ‘cuprum’.

The elemental alchemy symbol for copper is also the planetary symbol for Venus pastedGraphic.png. The symbol shows the inclusive, eternal circle and the cross, representing both spiritual and material. Polished copper was also used for mirrors during antiquity, and the symbol for Venus has sometimes been understood to stand for the mirror of the goddess. As such, this symbol embodies such characteristics as love, balance, feminine beauty and artistic creativity.

In ‘Defining the Sacred: Approaches to the Archaeology of Religion in the Near East’, Nicola Laneri reveals how sacred symbols were embossed into copper artefacts in the Southern Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine and Jordan) far more than into any other material. As well as the process being a new technology at the time, the ritual of working with copper became an important craft, creating a communal identity. Individuals sensed their belonging through a shared practice and the material culture of copper.

As the copper artefacts displayed magical symbols, the copper worker was seen as a magician and it was during the creation of the artefacts that they became invested with meaning and power. Ultimately, the production of the copper pieces was ceremonial, the process itself was ritualised. The smith was perceived as an alchemist who transformed the ore into metal with fire – the pieces were made ritual.

Copper plays an important role in our health according to Ayurveda, the ancient mind-body health system developed by the sages of India thousands of years ago, which continues to provide timeless wisdom today. It is believed that a copper vessel has the power to balance the elements present in the mind-body by positively charging its contents. As well as its positive charge which helps to to stimulate impulses in the brain, copper is said to aid in killing bacteria; to help regulate the thyroid gland by adding copper where it is in deficit; has anti-inflammatory properties, especially helpful for arthritis and joint pain; help to clear skin with its role in the production of melanin and helps the digestive system by aiding peristalsis.

It is not surprisingly then that copper has been used widespread within the kitchen for thousands of years. As well as the benefits to our health, copper is durable yet malleable and has a high level of electrical and thermal conductivity (among pure metals at room temperature, only silver has a higher electrical conductivity).  Copper pots and pans have been in use since the Bronze Age and continue to be selected as the chef’s metal of choice. In addition to its thermal properties that aid even cooking, copper cookware is celebrated for its advantage of being entirely natural, having a striking aesthetic beauty and durability.

Antique copper bath, original late 19th Century French double ended tub, shown with a polished inside and original exterior, The Water Monopoly

The recent design trend for copper has seen it being used in large quantities in kitchens and bathrooms with a copper bath being the epitome of bathing bliss. A copper bath is the ultimate dream home investment, and certainly a worthy one as the material gets even better looking over time as the finish ages, taking on a richer, deeper colour and developing a distinctive patina. This is not to mention the ease of care due to its antibacterial, mould resistant properties and the material’s innate ability to ‘heal’ itself from damage, naturally blending scratches with the surrounding colour over time. 

Furthermore, copper is renewable and recyclable and also long-lasting, often treated as an heirloom to be looked after, handed down and re-finished when necessary. 

Do you have any copper in your home?
Do you value it for its look, its practical, health or spiritual benefits?

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