People of Craft
People of Craft
People of Craft
Lighting designs rooted in the joyful language of Channapatna toys, crafted in collaboration with local artisans. From expressive lanterns to character-like forms, the pieces breathe new life into a fading tradition.
Lighting designs rooted in the joyful language of Channapatna toys, crafted in collaboration with local artisans. From expressive lanterns to character-like forms, the pieces breathe new life into a fading tradition.
Lighting designs rooted in the joyful language of Channapatna toys, crafted in collaboration with local artisans. From expressive lanterns to character-like forms, the pieces breathe new life into a fading tradition.
Contributions
Contributions
Contributions
Ideation & Concept Development
Mechanism Design
Woodwork Prototyping
Technical Drawings
Vendor Communication & Prototyping Coordination
Supplier Sourcing
Ideation & Concept Development
Mechanism Design
Woodwork Prototyping
Technical Drawings
Vendor Communication & Prototyping Coordination
Supplier Sourcing
Ideation & Concept Development
Mechanism Design
Woodwork Prototyping
Technical Drawings
Vendor Communication
Prototyping Coordination
Supplier Sourcing
Context
Context
Context
Professional Project
Completed at MADLAB
Professional Project
Completed at MADLAB
Professional Project
Completed at MADLAB
Co - Design
2 members
Co - Design
2 members
Co - Design
2 members
To create a product that bridges traditional Channapatna craftsmanship with contemporary needs - intentionally using design as a tool to support, sustain, and celebrate the community behind the craft.
To create a product that bridges traditional Channapatna craftsmanship with contemporary needs - intentionally using design as a tool to support, sustain, and celebrate the community behind the craft.
To create a product that bridges traditional Channapatna craftsmanship with contemporary needs - intentionally using design as a tool to support, sustain, and celebrate the community behind the craft.
Light meets Play
Light meets Play
Light meets Play
After exploring many directions, we landed on a table lamp not just because it was functional, but because it gave us the perfect stage to tell a story through form, light, and craft.
It was important that the object retained the soul of a toy - playful, tactile, and a little nostalgic. Something that sparks both light and delight.
After exploring many directions, we landed on a table lamp not just because it was functional, but because it gave us the perfect stage to tell a story through form, light, and craft.
It was important that the object retained the soul of a toy - playful, tactile, and a little nostalgic. Something that sparks both light and delight.
After exploring many directions, we landed on a table lamp not just because it was functional, but because it gave us the perfect stage to tell a story through form, light, and craft.
It was important that the object retained the soul of a toy - playful, tactile, and a little nostalgic. Something that sparks both light and delight.
Channapatna’s craft was reinvented when Bavas Miyan brought in Japanese techniques and semi-mechanized lathes blending tradition with quiet innovation.
This shift meant every piece had to be turned, symmetrical, and shaped within the limits of the lathe.
Using soft Aale Mara wood and natural lacquer dyes, the craft carried beauty and boundaries that shaped every design choice.
Channapatna’s craft was reinvented when Bavas Miyan brought in Japanese techniques and semi-mechanized lathes blending tradition with quiet innovation.
This shift meant every piece had to be turned, symmetrical, and shaped within the limits of the lathe.
Using soft Aale Mara wood and natural lacquer dyes, the craft carried beauty and boundaries that shaped every design choice.
Channapatna’s craft was reinvented when Bavas Miyan brought in Japanese techniques and semi-mechanized lathes - blending tradition with quiet innovation.
This shift meant every piece had to be turned, symmetrical, and shaped within the limits of the lathe.
Using soft Aale Mara wood and natural lacquer dyes, the craft carried beauty and boundaries that shaped every design choice.
Ivory Wood, Maple, Oak
Material Constraints
Ivory Wood, Maple, Oak
Material Constraints
Ivory Wood, Maple, Oak
Material Constraints
Manufacturing Constraints
Semi-lathe
Manufacturing Constraints
Semi-lathe
Semi-lathe
Manufacturing Constraints
CMF
Natural and Artitifical Lacquer
CMF
Natural and Artitifical Lacquer
Natural and Artitifical Lacquer
CMF
The constraints led us to explore axisymmetric forms: geometries well-suited to turning and gentle enough for soft ivory wood.
Each form considered cable integration from the start, either concealing it seamlessly or using it as a subtle visual element.
The constraints led us to explore axisymmetric forms: geometries well-suited to turning and gentle enough for soft ivory wood.
Each form considered cable integration from the start, either concealing it seamlessly or using it as a subtle visual element.
The constraints led us to explore axisymmetric forms- geometries well-suited to turning and gentle enough for soft ivory wood.
Each form considered cable integration from the start, either concealing it seamlessly or using it as a subtle visual element.
The ‘lantern’ shape offered a clear design language while leaving room for expression. Using a ring magnet, the lamp head could be repositioned along the curved handle - shifting not just light direction, but the emotional tone of the object itself.
The ‘lantern’ shape offered a clear design language while leaving room for expression. Using a ring magnet, the lamp head could be repositioned along the curved handle - shifting not just light direction, but the emotional tone of the object itself.
The ‘lantern’ shape offered a clear design language while leaving room for expression. Using a ring magnet, the lamp head could be repositioned along the curved handle - shifting not just light direction, but the emotional tone of the object itself.
To honor the toy-making origins of the craft, we developed more playful, character-driven forms. Using the same magnetic mechanism, the lamp head became the “head” of simplified animal figures - blending function with cultural nostalgia.
To honor the toy-making origins of the craft, we developed more playful, character-driven forms. Using the same magnetic mechanism, the lamp head became the “head” of simplified animal figures - blending function with cultural nostalgia.
To honor the toy-making origins of the craft, we developed more playful, character-driven forms. Using the same magnetic mechanism, the lamp head became the “head” of simplified animal figures - blending function with cultural nostalgia.
Making the final forms was a moment of return - back to the lathe, back to the hands that know this craft best.
In collaboration with the Channapatna craftsmen, the lamps took shape exactly as imagined: expressive, playful, and deeply grounded in tradition.
Making the final forms was a moment of return - back to the lathe, back to the hands that know this craft best.
In collaboration with the Channapatna craftsmen, the lamps took shape exactly as imagined: expressive, playful, and deeply grounded in tradition.
Making the final forms was a moment of return - back to the lathe, back to the hands that know this craft best.
In collaboration with the Channapatna craftsmen, the lamps took shape exactly as imagined: expressive, playful, and deeply grounded in tradition.
Both the lantern and animal forms were carried forward - each grounded in Channapatna’s heritage, yet exploring playfulness through different lenses.
The lantern expressed emotion through subtle shifts in posture, as the movable lamp head suggested changing moods.
The animal form leaned into familiarity, echoing the shapes of classic wooden toys.
Together, they brought the tradition to life in new, quietly joyful ways.
Both the lantern and animal forms were carried forward - each grounded in Channapatna’s heritage, yet exploring playfulness through different lenses.
The lantern expressed emotion through subtle shifts in posture, as the movable lamp head suggested changing moods.
The animal form leaned into familiarity, echoing the shapes of classic wooden toys.
Together, they brought the tradition to life in new, quietly joyful ways.