Design
Swadesh tells a story of culture, heritage and craftsmanship with its exquisite range of handcrafted products
JUL 10, 2024 | By Team ELLE DECOR India
Handicraft is the very soul of craft and artisanship in India. Swadesh’s offerings are a testament to the intricacy and attention to detail channelled by Indian artisans. They bring to their customers not just products — but stories of the rich culture and heritage of the land we live on. Each product is crafted with precision, intricacy and meticulousness— a sweet fruit borne out of the collective effort of local artisans.
As the name suggests, Swadesh celebrates tradition in all shapes and forms. Their offerings are not merely products — they are imbued with narratives derived from India’s rich culture. They are designed to cater to the sophisticated sensibilities of modern consumers who value both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
The Carved Sheesham wood partition screen is heritage personified. The rich texture and enduring beauty of Sheesham wood add a touch of warmth and elegance, making these screens a memorable addition to any interior space.
Wood carving in India has a rich history, originating during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Various Indian regions boast distinct wood-carving styles. Decorative elements such as floral patterns, inlay work, lacquered wood, latticework and plaques featuring animals and birds were prevalent across a range of wooden items. These embellishments are frequently observed in doors, doorways, panels, screens and furniture.
Meanwhile, the Sheesham Wood dining chair with bone inlay is a classic, its intricacy and attention to detail lending a nod to the beauty of traditional design. The art of inlay woodwork traces its origins to the reuse of discarded ivory from bangle and comb production. Artisans repurposed these materials to embellish small objects with intricate designs.
This craft has a history spanning three centuries, emerging during the city of Hoshiarpur’s era as a centre for crafting ivory bangles. Design patterns range from floral and geometric to traditional motifs.
The Bahaar inlay floral dining table symbolises the earth’s awakening after winter, celebrating the end of stark emptiness with vibrant spring colours and forms. Inspired by both Spring and Srirangapatna’s summer palace, this collection combines the season’s freshness with royal elegance, creating a captivating tribute to nature’s renewal.
Charting a harmonious juxtaposition of simplicity and complexity, the table features charming flower and leaf motifs, invoking the beauty of nature within one’s home.
Skilled artisans in Mysore craft intricate designs on wooden objects using materials such as natural wood in various hues, mother of pearl, brass etc. This art form reached its pinnacle under the patronage of rulers like Tipu Sultan and the Wadiyar dynasty.
The Bellur Rosewood inlay floral coffee table instantly captivates guests with its mesmerising floral inlay design and elegant cabriole legs. The beauty of this piece lies in the use of a single wood type, handpicked by the trained eyes of skilled artisans to achieve a spectrum of hues and colours. This meticulous craft involves creating intricate patterns and shapes, which are then carefully inserted and secured into recesses in the wood using specialised hand tools, showcasing the artisan’s exceptional command of their craft.
The Dabadaar Barfi wool hand-knotted rug is reminiscent of a box of delightful barfi treats. The Dabadaar motif unfolds across the rug in a riot of colours and vibrant diamond-shaped patterns. Each intricate detail, reminiscent of India’s beloved festive sweet, tells a story of tradition and celebration.
The Mughals introduced the art of hand-knotted carpet weaving to Gwalior by inviting Persian artisans to India to train local craftsmen. Authentic Gwalior carpets often exhibit Persian influences, showcasing elaborate floral designs and motifs inspired by nature. To complete these carpets, tassels adorn the two edges along their width. These carpets feature a central medallion that extends into panels at the four corners, with floral patterns embellishing the spaces between.
The traditional Ziegler Jaipur wool hand-knotted rug has been meticulously woven by craftsmen in Jaipur using the finest hand-knotting techniques. With geometric patterns and captivating borders, this heirloom piece transcends trends and elevates any interior space. Hand-knotted carpets are renowned for their multi-dimensional texture, achieved through the intricate incorporation of numerous knots into their structure. These carpets boast robust construction and utilise traditional weaving methods.
The traditional technique involves painstakingly knotting line by line to adorn the surface with artistic motifs. Rajasthani hand-knotted carpets now showcase a blend of traditional patterns and contemporary geometric designs. The evolution of this art has seen a shift from conventional to new aesthetics, making it increasingly appealing to a broader audience.
Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets are made from silk and Pashmina, showcasing the craftsmanship of skilled Kashmiri artisans. These carpets are unique works of art, passed down through generations. Pashmina wool, known for its unparalleled softness and warmth, brings the entire visual composition to life. Kashmiri carpets stand as exemplars of Indian cultural heritage, renowned for their intricate motifs that draw inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage. Passed down through oral traditions or handwritten taalim (learning), the intricate designs are imbued with generations of knowledge on weaving techniques and yarn dyeing methods.
Each hand-knotted carpet features indigenous wool or silk in vibrant jewel tones. Some carpets boast an astonishing 1,600 knots per square inch, reflecting weeks or even months of meticulous craftsmanship by skilled artisans.
Swadesh solidifies its position as a preserver of artisanship and craft in India with its retail presence and artisan demonstrations at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), offering visitors a unique glimpse into the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship. With the opening of their flagship 20,000 sq ft store in Hyderabad, Swadesh showcases six categories of exquisite handcrafted products.
Swadesh also offers Internal Design Services (IDS), a bespoke and personalised opportunity to create one-of-a-kind interior spaces. This service provides tailored design solutions that reflect individual tastes and preferences, utilising traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Experience the best of India’s handcrafted luxury and tradition with Swadesh. Through its commitment to preserving and promoting artisanship, Swadesh provides consumers with unparalleled access to authentic, high-quality products and unique design services, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking to celebrate and integrate Indian heritage into their lives.
