True Protest Collection - Coaster Set with Box (Deep Brown)
True Protest Collection - Coaster Set with Box (Deep Brown)
This collection is inspired by the famous quote 'In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty' by the American singer and songwriter Phil Ochs.
A set of four coasters and a box are hand-painted in a relief braille effect with the same quotation. While the outer box reads as 'In such ugly times..', each coaster carries the rest of the message '..the only true protest is beauty'.
Phil Ochs was a supporter of the civil rights movement in America and strongly opposed the Vietnam war - his words and songs often becoming anthems of protest. This quote in particular holds a deep similarity and connection with the situation in Kashmir, where decades of violence and grief have not stopped local artisans from continuing to create objects of tremendous beauty. The use of Braille hints at a gentler way of communicating the message to the buyer and user of the coasters - where the message is felt rather than seen.
The box consists of a set of 4 coasters, each featuring the same message. The coasters are hand-painted by traditional Papier Maché Naqqashi artisans from Srinagar, Kashmir who specialise in relief (raised) work.
"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."
The 'True Protest' collection 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 (Budlu) Wood. Gloss varnished. Each coaster is backed with velvet fabric.
Box Size: 115 mm (width) x 115 mm (length) x 33 mm (height on table) Coaster Size: 85 mm x 85 mm x 3 mm (thickness)
Care: Wipe with a soft moist cloth. Do not apply any abrasive cleaners.
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