At the ‘Stories of Teak and Rosewood’ exhibition old-world furniture take on new shapes and transform into works of art. Chests, armoires, secretary desks with pigeon holes, sofa sets with jaali work and divans remind you of the bygone era.
For engineer-cum-antique furniture lover, Ambu Aditya Sadasivan, every piece of his collection, is a result of the artisans’ creativity.
He says, “My carpenters are like the fabled Perunthachan of Kerala, who used to design and build the entire house. We try to promote this form of carpentry, which breathes history.”
The replica of the ‘Tiruvarnan petti’ , which is used to transport the jewellery of the Lord of Sabarimala, from the palace to the temple, has the ornamental manichitratazha lock. The rosewood chests withbrass inlay work and the single plank rosewood and brass piece with ‘nagaphani’ patterning are equally beautiful.
“Thanks to these craftsmen, I have also revived the wicker work,” adds Aditya. He has also tried to integrate eclectic influences in his period pieces, such as glass paintings from Jodhpur’s Mehnangarh fort, and mausoleum-inspired designs. The exhibition is on at 4, Modern Towers, Westcott Road, (Near Royapettah Govt. Hospital), from today till July 25.
