The bride and groom sit on a throne during an Indian wedding ceremony.
Wedding thrones are special chairs that are part of the mandap (wedding stage) in an Indian wedding. The thrones are ornate chairs or couches on which the bride and groom sit during the ceremony. They can come in form of a two-seater or can consist of individual matching seats. These thrones consist of a variety of materials, including white metal, sterling silver, brass, enamel and sankheda wood. Thrones also incorporate fabric and artificial flowers.
White Metal
White metal is a general name given to whitish alloys that have a high percentage of tin or lead. White metal, sometimes called anti-friction metal, it is used in sculpture, casting and jewelery making. It comes in the form of ingots called Tinman's sticks. Long and thin, they can melt down for casting and molding. For best results, coat the mold for the item you plan to cast in a dusting of graphite powder or talc. Never use a wet mold or cool the white metal using water.
Sterling Silver
Silver is a mark of class and style, and you can carve it into various designs of furniture. Silver creates a feeling of luxury and glamour, and you can craft it into ethnic, traditional styles. It also requires regular cleaning to get rid of tarnish (silver oxide). Commercial silver cleaners can be abrasive -- especially with regular use. Instead, rub your furniture using a damp sponge dipped in baking soda solution, lemon juice or white toothpaste. Rinse the silver in lukewarm water, and polish it dry with a soft cloth to prevent water marks.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that sometimes contains other metals. The usual volume of copper and zinc in the alloy is 67 percent and 23 percent respectively. The metal is strong, ductile and resistant to corrosion. Wipe brass furniture regularly, and wipe spills immediately to avoid staining. Clean it with mild soap and water, and dry it with a soft cloth to avoid water marks. Don't use commercial brass cleaners, which can spoil the lacquer on the furniture.
Sankheda Wood
Sankheda is a small town in the eastern part of Gujarat. The name comes from "sanghedu," the Gujarat word for "lathe." Trreated with lacquer and paint to produce exquisite furniture, Sankheda wood is traditionally colored gold, orange, or brown and then decorated with silver. Legend has it that a traveling holy man from the Aravaali Hills in Pawargh taught Sankheda craft to poor carpenters in Sankheda. Modern Sakheda wood is sometimes painted ivory, green and purple.
Tags: bride groom, copper zinc, furniture Sankheda, Indian wedding, soft cloth, water marks