VITA RAMUS / MATERIAL GUIDE
What Is Brass?
Characteristics, Aging & Care
Brass is a familiar material used in furniture, lighting, jewelry, interior objects, and many other everyday items. It is known for its warm golden tone and the distinctive character it develops over time.
In this guide, VITA RAMUS introduces the characteristics of brass, why its appearance changes over time, and how to care for it in everyday life, drawing on our experience working with this distinctive material.
01 / ABOUT BRASS
What Is Brass?
Brass is an alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc. It has long been used for a wide range of applications, including architectural hardware, furniture, musical instruments, decorative objects, and jewelry.
While brass has a richness reminiscent of gold, its subdued tone softly catches the light without appearing overly bright. It harmonizes beautifully with materials such as wood, stone, and glass, allowing it to blend naturally into contemporary interiors.
02 / CHARACTER
Key Characteristics of Brass
A Warm Golden Tone
Its gentle glow adds a subtle accent to a space without appearing overly bright.
Suitable for Delicate Detailing
Brass lends itself well to expressing fine details such as botanical branches and leaf veins.
Develops Character Over Time
Through exposure to air and touch, its tone gradually deepens and develops a character unique to each piece.
03 / AGING
Color Changes Are a Natural Part of Aging
Brass reacts with elements in the air, humidity, and natural oils from the skin, gradually changing from a bright golden tone to a deeper, more subdued color. This natural process is known as aging or patination.
VITA RAMUS brass products are generally left unplated to preserve the natural character of the material. As a result, oxidation may create variations in color, small spots, or areas of tarnish.
Hand-finished joints may also show traces of silver solder or slight differences in color. These are not defects, but individual characteristics created by uncoated brass and handcrafted production.
04 / INTERIOR
Small in Scale, Yet Adding Depth to a Space
Even in a small form, brass creates subtle light and shadow, becoming a quiet accent within a space. It is easy to incorporate into limited areas such as wooden furniture, windowsills, entryways, and desks.
Its appeal lies not only in how it looks when newly finished, but also in the way its character gradually changes and becomes part of its surroundings over time.
05 / CARE
How to Care for Brass
If You Prefer the Natural Aging Process
Gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. If moisture or dirt comes into contact with the surface, do not leave it for an extended period; wipe it away promptly.
If You Wish to Restore a Brighter Finish
Apply a small amount of brass-compatible polish or cleaner to a soft cloth. Test it first on an inconspicuous area, then polish gently without applying excessive pressure. Please note that polishing may alter the surface texture or finish.
Handling Precautions
Do not forcefully bend or pull the delicate botanical parts, as this may cause deformation or damage. Avoid washing or soaking the product in water, and always refer to the care instructions provided for each item.
METAL MEETS BOTANICAL.
VITA RAMUS — Born from Expertise in Metal
VITA RAMUS is a Japanese botanical object brand born from approximately 20 years of experience in the planning and production of metal products and jewelry.
We observe plants closely and handle everything from sculptural design to product development in-house, working with workshops in Japan through the joining and finishing processes. Rather than selecting and selling ready-made products, we consider how the delicate forms of plants can be expressed in metal and develop them as original VITA RAMUS pieces.
Rigid metal and the soft curves of plants. By bringing these contrasting qualities together, we propose a new expression of botanical design.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Brass
Q. Does brass change color over time?
Yes. Exposure to air, humidity, and touch gradually changes brass from a bright golden tone to a deeper color. This is a natural aging process characteristic of brass.
Q. Are uneven coloring or dark spots defects?
Uncoated brass may develop uneven coloring or spots through oxidation. Together with traces of hand-finished joints and natural variations between pieces, these are characteristics of the material and production process.
Q. Can brass products be washed with water?
We do not recommend washing or soaking them in water. If moisture comes into contact with the product, wipe it away promptly with a soft, dry cloth.
Q. Can the shine of brass be restored?
In some cases, the surface can be refreshed using a cleaner suitable for brass. However, the appropriate method varies depending on the finish and construction of each product, so please refer to the individual care instructions.
VITA RAMUS COLLECTIONS
Bringing Metal and Botanicals into Everyday Life.
ICHIRIN, EN, THE BOTANICAL.
Discover collections born from the beauty of botanical forms and metal.