Beautiful, sculptural objects without any functionality. There was a time when I would have shuddered at the thought of having even one of them in my living space. But as I’ve gotten older and shed layers of Westernised mindset at the need for minimalism as a marker of chicness, I’ve also embraced the beauty of surrounding oneself with craft objects, even if they are functionless, sculptural objects. Our ancestors were not people who lived in clinically minimal spaces but surrounded themselves with handcrafted objects, some of whose purpose was simply their beauty. Sometimes the purpose of the object is its inherent beauty and the generational knowledge that has gone towards bringing it into existence.
Amrai India is a home decor brand that is working to celebrate and revitalise Indian craftsmanship through their sculptural objects, specifically incorporating techniques from Kutch, Gujarat. Founded by Gunjan Gupta and Samir Wadekar, the brand collaborates closely with skilled craftsmen with generational knowledge of traditional crafts of Kutch — such as pottery and copper bell making - and blends them with contemporary designs for the contemporary audience. Their attempt to work with heritage arts with modern sensibilities has helped them create truly unique objects.
The design masterpieces from Amrai, from The Nest to The Hut, are all masterpieces in their own way. Each piece is crafted to resonate with art and design connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The Nest is a handmade sculpture that is available in multiple colour variants. The design object set comprises a set of eggs cradled within a metal nest made from recycled iron and polished with copper, all resting on an intertwined holder, much like an actual bird's egg tucked within a tree. The eggs are made with a mixture of different clays found in villages in Kutch, and the Japanese Raku technique of fire-glazing is used to give each egg an intense, one-of-a-kind finish. The usage of these materials and the intentional choice of techniques is a direct reflection of the brand’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Another notable creation from Amrai is ‘The Hut’, a sculptural object inspired by the geometry and structure of the architecture of Kutch. The linear, clean-lined houses with rectangular doors and windows pose a contrast against the complex textile techniques and crafts practised here. Handmade from white clay from the banks of the Khari Nadi that drains into the Rann of Kutch, the Hut is a three-faced rigid clay object, balanced with the softness of a braided crimson cotton rope draped around it. This design is a way to juxtapose the starkness of the White Desert of Kutch against the vibrant and celebratory tones of the region.
Through their limited and well-designed handcrafted sculptural objects for the home, Amrai is not just breaking through the monotony in the decor space, but also empowering artisans through their work, and contributing towards the meaningful sustainability of Indian craft techniques.
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