About This Piece
Line Engraving Brass Dabara Set | Handcrafted Brass
This handcrafted brass dabara set measures 2.75 inches in height and 4 inches in width, comprising a tumbler and a shallow katori (dabara) used in the traditional South Indian method of serving filter coffee. Both pieces are shaped from brass and carry a polished finish, with line engraving running along the outer surface of each — a repeating geometric pattern of dots and chevron-like motifs that encircles the body of both the tumbler and the katori.
Each piece in this set is hand-formed and finished individually. The engraving is worked by hand, requiring steady control to maintain consistent spacing across the curved surface. The flared rim on the katori and the wide mouth of the tumbler follow the proportions that have defined this utensil form across generations of South Indian households — functional in shape, designed specifically for the pouring action that cools hot decoction to drinking temperature.
The dabara set is inseparable from the South Indian filter coffee ritual. Coffee is brewed through a metal filter, poured into the tumbler, and transferred back and forth between tumbler and dabara to cool and aerate. This process is not incidental — it affects the texture and temperature of the drink. Using a brass set for this ritual connects the practice to a longer domestic tradition where brass was the standard material for daily use vessels in Indian households.
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been used in Indian kitchenware for centuries. It is valued for its density, thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion when properly maintained. The material is food-safe and develops a deeper tone over time with regular use and cleaning.
The polished finish gives both pieces a warm, bright gold surface. As with all handcrafted work, minor variation in the depth of engraving, surface tone, and texture between pieces is natural and expected.
This set suits daily use, a dedicated coffee corner, or as a considered gift for someone who takes their filter coffee seriously.
