Tradition Meets Modernity The Revival of Indian Handicrafts

There are brands, and then there are these modern Indian brands who are putting authentic pieces of art, rich in detail and history, back into our shopping carts

- PRIYA MAHANTA

Chitrakathi

Chitrakathi is a storytelling practice that is practically dead among the indigenous culture. Families from the Thakur tribe have been practising this unusual fusion of art (Chitra) and storytelling (Kathi) since the 17th century.

Pinguli, a charming village in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, as well as in certain regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, preserve this custom. These painters use vivid, stylised paintings and emotive brushstrokes to vividly bring stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other folktales to life.

FUN FACT: Did you know? Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha military ruler, once used the Chitrakathi painters of Kudal as spies. They collected information during the day and told epic stories at night using colourful paintings and traditional melodies. The rich heritage of Chitrakathi craft is further enhanced by this unique fusion of art and espionage.

Bring your walls to life with Chitrakathi paintings blending tradition and artistry that any interior lover would want in their home for its depth in culture and timelessness in craftsmanship.

Longpi pottery

Longpi pottery, otherwise referred to as Nungbi pottery, is a form of traditional craft hailing from Manipur, India, practised by the Tangkhul Naga tribe. The extraordinary pottery here is prepared without a potter's wheel, using a mixture of serpentinite stone and clay. Hand-moulded into various shapes, then polished, sun-dried, and fired in a bonfire, this unique black or brown finish is the result. Longpi pottery is not only very beautiful to look at but functional as well for cooking and storing food.

Bring sophistication into your home with the hand-beaten Longpi products by Ikai Asai, recognisable by their stark black colour and earthy matte finish.

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