On patina, time and the beauty of a material that lives with you
At MAISON MOTEMA, bronze is not simply a finishing detail. It is part of the language of the object.
Selected for its warmth, weight and sculptural quality, bronze brings a particular character to our leather goods. Unlike highly coated hardware designed to remain visually unchanged, bronze is a living material. It responds to air, touch, moisture and time.
As you carry your MAISON MOTEMA piece, its bronze hardware may gradually deepen in tone and develop a natural patina. This evolution is expected. It is one of the qualities we value most about the material.
What is patina?
Patina is the subtle change that appears on the surface of bronze as it naturally oxidises.
Depending on how frequently your piece is handled and the environment in which it is kept, the bronze may become darker, warmer or develop variations in tone.
No two pieces will evolve in precisely the same way.
We consider this part of the life of the object: a surface that records touch, movement and time.
Everyday care
Bronze requires very little intervention.
After carrying your bag, you may gently wipe the hardware with a clean, soft and dry cloth to remove fingerprints, moisture or surface residue.
Avoid exposing the hardware to perfume, cosmetics, household cleaning products or other chemicals. When applying fragrance or hand cream, allow it to dry before handling your bag.
When the piece is not being carried, store it in its dust bag in a cool, dry environment.
If you prefer the original shine
Some clients love the darker character bronze develops over time. Others prefer the brighter appearance of newly finished bronze.
Both are beautiful.
If you wish to restore some of the original luminosity, gently polish the hardware with a soft cloth specifically intended for bronze or brass.
Work carefully and locally on the metal, avoiding contact between polishing products and the surrounding leather.
We recommend beginning with the gentlest possible treatment. Aggressive polishing, abrasive materials and strong chemical cleaners should be avoided, as they can alter the surface of the bronze and damage adjacent leather.
When in doubt, contact the Maison before treating the hardware.
A material designed to age
The leather of a MAISON MOTEMA bag will soften and develop character. Its bronze will change too.
We do not believe every trace of time needs to be erased.
Part of owning an object made slowly is allowing its materials to live. The small variations that emerge through use become particular to the person carrying it.
Your bronze is not losing its finish. It is developing its history.
For questions about the care of your MAISON MOTEMA piece, please contact the Maison.
MAISON MOTEMA
New York · Dakar · Paris