Instead of Apples - Pen Box - Made in Kashmir

The 'Instead of Apples' stationery box is designed and developed with traditional Kashmiri Naqqashi artisans. Using raised relief work, the box depicts a luscious red apple flanked with stones on either side, just like the ones used in street protests by young Kashmiris against security forces. Relief work is the specialty of the artisans who have produced this piece.

The idea is to subtly communicate the artisan's ironic comparison between what Kashmir was known for earlier and what it is known for now. The stationery box itself is apt storage for a set of pens or pencils.

"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."

'Instead of Apples' 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. Overall gloss varnish with matt varnish only on the raised apple and stones surface.

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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