Oxidized Round Copper Bathroom Sink

Introduction

Bring timeless artisan charm to your bathroom with our oxidized round copper sink, a striking blend of rustic texture, vibrant patina, and handcrafted detail. Forged in Santa Clara del Cobre, Mexico—a town renowned for centuries‐old coppersmithing—each sink begins as a heavy gauge copper bowl that is hand-hammered, heated, and treated to develop a verdigris finish. The result is a one-of-a-kind vessel sink whose turquoise and blue-green tones play against warm copper undertones, creating a dynamic, mosaic-like surface texture that shimmers with ambient light.

This round basin features a wide ribbed rim that both frames and elevates the bowl, adding sculptural depth and visual weight. At 17″ in diameter and 6″ tall, it provides ample capacity for daily use while making a dramatic focal point in any powder room, guest bath, or master ensuite. The standard 1.5″ drain opening accommodates most drop-in or countertop drain assemblies, ensuring straightforward installation for designers and homeowners alike.

Artisanal Craftsmanship & Patina

Each sink is the product of a meticulous multi-stage process. Master coppersmiths begin by planishing the bowl to create uniform ripples. They then fire the copper in open flame, carefully applying saline and acidic washes to coax out verdigris hues. This reactive process—guided by heat, air, and time—yields a finish that changes subtly with each piece, never replicating the exact same pattern twice. As Ignacio, our lead artisan, explains: “The patina is not painted—it’s born from fire, air, and time. We work with the spirit of the metal, never forcing it. Each sink becomes what it wants to be.” Finally, the patinated bowl is sealed with a clear, eco-friendly lacquer to protect the surface while allowing its living finish to continue evolving over years of use.

Perfect Bathroom Pairings

Our oxidized round copper sink harmonizes with a variety of design palettes. In rustic baths, pair it with reclaimed wood vanities and natural stone countertops to amplify textural warmth. For Spanish Revival or hacienda-style interiors, surround the basin with hand-painted Talavera tile or Saltillo floors, and accent with wrought-iron fixtures and sconces. In a bohemian or modern-eclectic setting, allow the sink’s rich patina to pop against matte black hardware, concrete vessel-style countertops, or neutral plaster walls.

No matter your style, this sink anchors the space with heritage and authenticity: the same techniques used by generations of Mexican artisans continue in each basin’s creation, uniting function and art in everyday rituals.

Specifications

• Material: 100% recycled copper
• Finish: Verdigris patina with warm copper undertones
• Form: Round vessel bowl with hammered mosaic texture
• Rim: Wide, ribbed edge for sculptural impact
• Dimensions: 17″ diameter × 6″ height
• Drain Opening: Standard 1.5″ (fits most drains)
• Installation: Drop-in or countertop vessel
• Origin: Handcrafted in Santa Clara del Cobre, Mexico

History of Copper Tradition in Santa Clara del Cobre

Santa Clara del Cobre’s identity is inextricably linked to copper. Long before Spanish colonization, the region’s Purepécha inhabitants recognized the abundance of copper ores nestled within the volcanic soils of Michoacán. They fashioned small tools and decorative items through cold-hammering techniques, laying the foundations for a metalworking tradition that would endure for centuries. These early artisans prized the metal’s malleability and lustrous sheen, emerging as some of Mesoamerica’s earliest coppersmiths and establishing a legacy of craftsmanship still celebrated today.

With the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, metallurgical knowledge and European smelting technologies arrived alongside colonial rule. The Spanish introduced charcoal-fired smelters and water-driven bellows, enabling larger-scale extraction and refining. Indigenous smiths adapted rapidly, combining their ancestral hammering methods with these new processes. Under the colonial economy of New Spain, Santa Clara del Cobre became a vital center for copper production—supplying everything from church bells to colonial tinwork. Small forges dotted the region, and artisan families began passing down specialized techniques from one generation to the next.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, copper from Santa Clara del Cobre adorned the grand churches and public fountains of colonial Mexico. Artisans honed intricate repoussé and chasing methods, creating elaborate chandeliers, altarpieces, and liturgical vessels. These metalworks traveled across the Spanish Empire, earning the town a reputation for exceptional quality. Despite periodic declines due to economic shifts and resource depletion, the community’s commitment to coppercraft remained unwavering. Families combined mining, smelting, and smithing into a single, integrated process, ensuring continuity and innovation in their practice.

The 19th century brought industrial competition and new materials, challenging the traditional copper economy. Yet, Santa Clara’s craftsmen adapted by focusing on handcrafted artistry rather than mass production. Workshops invigorated the art form, emphasizing hand-hammered finishes and artisanal patinas. Tourism around nearby colonial towns spurred demand for decorative copperware, sustaining local economies and preserving cultural knowledge. The annual Feria del Cobre, established in the mid-20th century, provided a public stage for artisans to demonstrate forging, hammering, and finishing, reinforcing communal pride and passing traditions to younger smiths.

In recent decades, renewed global interest in artisanal, sustainable materials has revitalized Santa Clara del Cobre’s copper tradition. Today, master smiths like Ignacio draw upon ancestral techniques—using only manual hammers, open hearths, and natural patina processes—to shape modern designs. Copper sinks, including our oxidized round copper bathroom sink, exemplify this synthesis of heritage and functionality. Each piece carries the collective memory of generations, reflecting the volcanic landscape and the smith’s intangible relationship with the metal.

Choosing a Santa Clara del Cobre copper sink is an invitation to honor this living tradition. From the spark of the forge to the final patina, every stage echoes centuries of ingenuity and cultural resilience. For inquiries about custom designs, production timelines, or to embark on your own copper journey, contact our team today. Embrace a craft that transcends mere utility and becomes a testament to human creativity and natural wonder.

Conclusion

Our oxidized round copper bathroom sink not only serves as a functional basin but also as a living tribute to Santa Clara del Cobre’s enduring copper legacy. Its verdigris patina and artisanal hammer marks bring depth and warmth to any bathroom design. Discover this centerpiece in our Rustic Bathroom Collection and for custom consultations or orders, contact our team today. Transform your space with a piece of Mexican heritage that will evolve and shine for generations to come.