Calligraphy : the ancient art of writing ceremoniously ...
Our logo inspired by the beautiful calligraphic images surrounding us in our travels.
Effortless brush strokes that are derived from Chinese inscriptions, the Korean script, Japanese alphabet or who knows a deep rooted Arabic influence.
Our eye for detail as we evolve the many versions... the key to achieving perfection in all that we do!
The exciting part is over. We have explored the North Eastern Asian region, its diverse landscape and rich culture, marveled at its dying crafts and keen workmanship. Most importantly we have enjoyed every moment of it. Nothing beats curating a collection you love! Quick to point out our favorite pieces that will never see the light of day of any sale order, we get down to hard work. Customs, paperwork, bills, invoices, payments sigh... its not an easy chore! Whoever had this brain wave to sell anything was definitely not thinking straight!! Nevertheless, we brave more paperwork, bank chores and more payments. Is this even viable - we wonder ? Side by side, we hasten to look for a venue for our debut show. Most places do not match up. Our logo is being redesigned. We need a website. We need a photo shoot. We need to make lists. We need to price our pieces. Does that mean we need to part with some ?? Will our fave pieces be gone ? Why did'nt we get some more ? Time to plan the next trip.
China, the epitome of modernism. The fastest growing economy in the world. The shoppers paradise. Armed with the smug feeling that if there is anywhere in the world, anything is ever made-its in China, we set off on our voyage. Little did we know that in a country selling fast cars as easily as it does plastic toys or electric lights, finding the elusive "red" furniture that we lusted for is going to be quite an experience! Flashing screen shots of saved classic images, we got lost in furniture malls, where everything white and glossy was the order of the day! Relentless in spirit, we roamed, we laughed , we got lost and laughed some more... In this case, the journey was the destination for we truly had fun in what we were looking for ....
Quaint beautiful zen gardens lead the way to timeless homes. Seeped in culture overflowing with rich traditional wares. We are wonder struck at the array of wooden cabinets and chests adorning these homes. Embellished with intricate brass ware and lined with calligraphic rice paper, every piece looks like it has been painstakingly designed as if it was a piece of jewellery. The quality of wood and workmanship is far superior than anything we have seen. Even as we rave about this and inquire where we can buy some pieces, we are met with looks of total surprise! Pretty soon, we discover that Korean furniture is now passe in most local homes. The younger generation is opting for modern styles and one odd utilitarian piece is passed down generations. Why on Earth would we traverse all the way from India to buy this? The quizzical look on our guide is unforgettable! Our love for antiques and traditional wares has sent us on a wild goose chase??! Not on our first foray we pray.
The challenge of finding authentic Korean furniture has only just begun... the next few days are spent driving all over the countryside to antique warehouses, workshops, bustling bazaars overcoming language and cultural barriers, we are learning something every day! Right then, we know we are onto something special...and we learn for ourselves the ethos of our brand, the purpose of every journey...
The joy of discovery, the thrill of the perfect find ... this is the soul of our brand. And our mantra IS simple......
"Never buy to fill a space, invest in something you love.”
You got to change your perspective to find what you want...
Meandering streets selling bric a brac. Green glazed ceramics glistening on store fronts. Copper, and bronze artefacts - tea pots, statues, bells and chimes reverberating everywhere. Quaint stores tucked away in corners selling beautiful lace and intricately woven fabrics. Handmade paper with dried leaves and flowers. Handcrafted designer jewelery encrusted with semi precious stones, feathers, beads and chains. Aromas beckoning from coffee houses and homemade waffle stations. Fruit and vegetable vendors. Fresh flowers. Trendy clothes. High fashion stores. Hip music. The buzz in the heart of Insadong in Seoul is exciting. A vibrant, culturally rich city with a soul. The modern juxtaposed with the ancient. City scrapers and Pagodas. Glitzy malls and antique warehouses. The journey has just begun.... Sleepless in Seoul on our debut adventure in search of traditional wares. South Korea has been worth the wait!
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