An exploratory creative process which sits midway between tradition and modernity characterises the products designed by Studio Mumbai, where artisan methods are combined with a continuous study of materials and an almost maniacal attention to detail. The same can also be said of its architecture, where, as often stated by the founder Bijoy Jain, “the return of a focus on artisan skill restores its role as an expression of human labour, seeking a relationship with the memory of the location. Nonetheless, the language used is contemporary”.

Studio Mumbai – which has seen its products acquired by various cultural institutions such as SFMOMA, LACMA, the Pompidou Centre – has created a new limited-edition collection of hand-made furniture for the Beglian gallery Maniera. A daybed, a lamp, a console table, a bench, a screen and a series of chairs which draw inspiration from Indian craftsmanship. These are undoubtedly contemporary items which express historical reference points through the elegance of the workmanship.

The materials used are simple and universal, but unusual for the production of furniture. Unrefined materials such as stone, bricks or dung are combined with soft materials such as fabric, as well as washi, Japanese paper. What is new about this edition is the use of natural colours and whitewash to create unusual and fascinating frescoes.