For too long, the perception of South Asian art has been relegated to “ethnic;” complex artisanship reduced to the singular label of “exotic art,” and the hands behind it remaining uncelebrated.

At House of Santal, founder Raksha Sanikam hopes to put South Asian collectible design on the global stage, as so much more than antique collectibles. Designers from the subcontinent are intentionally building works for the contemporary collector, while staying true to heritage crafts.

 

Rhizome develops sustainability solutions that are contextual, technically robust and traditionally grounded. Indian-inspired pieces that are mechanically informed, culturally sensitive, and aesthetically resonant.

In one of their most quintessentially Indian pieces, the Ghee Console Table, lies the echoes of centuries of tradition. The base of this piece is modeled after a havan kund spoon; a spoon used to spoon ghee into the sacred flames of a havan ritual.

This Vedic ritual is one of the most ancient forms of Hindu prayer. It invokes the selflessness of sacrifice and represents purity and protection of one’s environment. For this reason, it’s often performed to cleanse new homes.

 

This ornate spoon is designed intentionally; its length allowing one to make the offerings safely and far away from the high flames. It’s usually made of brass, copper or wood, which are auspicious materials.

This spoon is a hallmark of the pooja, or worship, room in a Hindu household. Similarly, the Indian lota is another silhouette that’s synonymous with everyday Indian life.

The brass lota is a handheld vessel with a rounded base, constricted neck and flared mouth. It’s used for everything from storing water, pouring liquids in rituals, and more. It was even recognized for its timeless functionality by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958 during their visit to India.

Rhizome’s Ghee Console Table features a hand-hammered lota, made by Thathera craftspeople. The 200-year-old craft of the Thatheras of Punjab, India is the only craft from India to be listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The teakwood forms of the top and base of the table are reclaimed from Pol houses in Gujarat, India.

The result is a sleek, modern silhouette championing material quality and technique, while also evoking a deep sense of familiarity and comfort.