Ten-second takeaway
Designer Atul Johri gives Channapatna craft a sophisticated finish with a range of lighting and home accessories.
Craft meets design
We can confirm that the first Channapatna exhibition to emerge from Atul Johri’s studio for eight years was well worth the wait. Based in the town of Channapatna, known for its handcrafted and painted toys, and with 11 years of experience working with Channapatna lacquerware artisans, there are few who understand the craft better. Entitled The Old Tree, the new collection’s name is a nod to the recycled beech wood used as the base of many of the products. It also sums up Johri’s vision of simultaneously preserving and taking forward the Channapatna tradition.
Mixed and matched
You can bank on finding contemporary home accessories, which range from tea lights and statement lamps to incense holders, vases and cups. The range combines lacquerware with materials such as metal, glass and paper, allowing Johri to make functional yet aesthetically stunning products. On the vases, bands of glass peek out between bright, yellow lacquerware, while everyday metal cups are transformed with the addition of lacquerware lids. Handmade paper and glass work together to create the effect of a candle, when added to the ‘tripod’ tea light holders. The lamps – prisms which hang from the ceiling in the signature Channapatna colour palate of green, mustard and red – are standouts.
So, we're thinking…
While our purchases were beautifully wrapped in tissue paper, we only wish the range came in sturdy boxes, to make these items better for gifting. That aside, products we recommend that you get yourself to Grasshopper (which is exclusively selling the range) pronto if you want to buy into the Channapatna revolution.
Where: Grasshopper, 45, Bannerghatta Road, Kalena Agrahara (after Meenakshi Temple)
When: Until December 15
Contact: 080 26593999
Price: INR 350 upwards
Check out Atul's Johri's website here.
Featured images via: Nithin Sagi
