If I Lose my Way - Pen Box - Made in Kashmir

The 'If I Lose my Way' stationery box is designed and developed with traditional Kashmiri Naqqashi artisans. While one half of the box depicts a map of Srinagar city, the other half depicts the distinct camouflage 'Woodland' pattern used and worn by security forces. The two halves are separated by a thick golden line. The stationery box itself is apt storage for a set of pens or pencils.

The idea for this box developed over a conversation with a local Kashmiri family, when a lady mentioned that the neighbourhood she remembered from her childhood had changed so much that the security forces were now an inseparable part of it. For someone who only remembers the Kashmir of earlier, they could easily lose their way. 

"Beyond their everyday utility & aesthetic, a craft object holds the potential of communicating the feelings of its maker, its land of origin and the people that shape the culture of its existence. In Kashmir, an artisan's feelings tend towards displeasure, anger and unrelenting despair. The design approach for these products developed from gathered thoughts and conversations with the Kashmiri people - what if the designed object could include subtle signals of the artisans feelings? And what if these were beautiful protests communicated via the traditional beauty of the craft-form? It is this approach that became the focus and background of the design project."

'If I Lose my Way' is part of an ensemble of products created as part of the Commitment to Kashmir initiative supported by Dastkar, CDI and Titan Company Ltd. The products are result of an year long interaction with skilled Kashmiri craftspeople, allowing them to approach new, contemporary markets in India and the world.

Material: Hand painted Himalayan Fir Wood. Full matt varnish.

Size: 63 mm (width) x 203 mm (length) x 40 mm (height on table) +/- 1mm

Care: Wipe only with soft dry cloth, or very occasionally with a soft moist cloth.

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