Indian Traditional Furniture
Design and create a series of Indian Traditional Furniture expressing furniture from different time periods to start conversations on how product afterlife is affected by culture, tradition and more.
Product Afterlife has a connection to tradition and memories which define how a product is utilized, cherished and cared for. As time passes, an object tends to hold personal memories to their owners either consciously or subconsciously. The process of manufacturing a product depends on various human factors like efficiency, usability and culture. In India, a country where the economic standards are diverse, tradition and ancestry play a very large part in the creation of a product. These products can be passed on multiple generations and have a story and history connected to them. They unintentionally become a part of the family and see generations go through life-thus, they are priceless. These display pieces show an overview of a few iconic furniture designs in India. By showing various factors that affect the overall design like culture and tradition.
Research
Prototypes
Making
The process of creating the final perfect set of miniature legs for the furniture went through a long process of working on the lathe. The dimensions for the legs were on average 5cm * 1cm. Went though a long learning curve for around 6 weeks of trial and error making around 150 miniature legs using various types of wood, tools and methods to create the final set. Every small mistake could break the leg or make it look very different from the other. But overall I enjoyed the process of experimenting and learning ways to create miniature pieces.
Process
Materials: Rosewood, Sheesham wood, Mango wood
Rajasthan is known as the land of grandiose palaces and havelis and its glamorous style is shown in their culture, craft, and architecture. Its furniture always gave a royal look to one’s home. The furniture is strongly influenced by Mughal art as it was ruled by various Mughal rulers for a long time. Rajasthani furniture has a very distinct design as it was transferred from royal vestiges to adorn the mansions of the rich and famous to delicate designs available in stores across the world. They use bright vibrant colors with floral patterns for the upholstery and have intricately carved wooden structures.
Rajasthan Furniture
Materials: Teak wood, Cane weaving, Athangudi tiles
Kerala was taken over by various emperors, such as the Pandavas, Cholas and even the Dutch. All these factors created a unique design that was rich in cultural heritage. Kerala furniture is very popular worldwide for their carving work. Kerala furniture, also known as Chettinad furniture, mainly focused on its craftsmanship, attention to detail and the wood that was used. This furniture is completed with intricately carved figures. As a result, they promise an enriching tale of Indian history. Interior designing using Chettinad style decor enriches your home with the use of antique pillars, ceiling, wall decor, statues and furniture. Kerala furniture is very economical now as it can sustain any kind of weather and fit any style of house.
Kerala Furniture
Materials: Mango Wood, Cane weaving
The state of Goa in India was ruled by the Portuguese until 1962. This invasion of the Portuguese colonies created the style called Indo-Portuguese which is a combination of Indian and Portuguese cultures. They felt that Indians at the time did not have 'elevated' furniture since parties mostly consisted of people sitting cross legged on the floor on exquisitely woven carpets. The Portuguese found that there were skilled craftsmen that could replicate their designs and hence started making their own furniture in India. Portuguese furniture has a distinctive style featuring dark woods with intricate detail of flowers, animals or fruits. While the basic shape of the furniture has a European origin, the motifs and decoration take aspects that are Indian.
Goan Furniture
Materials: Teak wood, Mango wood, Cane weaving
Indian furniture has evolved a long time and now each state has their own style. This style is influenced by the rule of the British during the 19th century which brought in new trade, western culture and new information on medicine, furniture and architecture.
Post the British rule, furniture used in India have evolved where usability took over appearance and low-cost furniture gained popularity. Indian modern furniture is starting to be a very popular style as it's a combination of western culture and Indian tradition.
Modern Furniture
