Vintage Memoirs

India, in all its magnitude, amazing history and diversity is perhaps best illustrated by its antiques. These objects of art are silent symbols of mainly two types. One, the awe-inspiring works of art and architecture that is testimony to that glorious time of an abundantly wealthy India, in search of which expeditions were launched from foreign lands. Two, the sensibilities of India, Pre and Post-Moghul, Colonial, Post-Colonial, Portugese, French and even a blend of times-between.

Louis the XVI Love-seats, Antique Colonial Dressers, Ornately carved and perfectly symmetrical and well-balanced Baradaris, Hymns embroidered and elaborately decorated in fine Petite Point,  are each, equally astonishingly gorgeous and beautiful and absolutely, Indian.

Jhoolas, Modas, Altars, etc delicately adorned with motifs of Nature’s abundance, floral and cosmic are a craftsman’s labour of love. The Indian Vintage Furniture, Pre-Colonial or Colonial is a tribute to every dastakaar/artisan who toils at his works, stooped over, chisel and engraving tools in hand, to bring us the luxury of unique furniture. One can almost feel the abiding sensibility of what it would have meant to be part of the Indian context to those peoples of that past time. “What is there to appreciate if not beauty? Why is it that every article of furniture that has a use cannot be exquisite and made with the finest craft? What machines can make the turns, curves and engraved motifs and inlay work that human hands can?”

Time has offered-up the verdict. Their quest for perfection in the creative process and its execution created works of art that remain beyond parallel. Centuries later humankind has not quite demonstrated the genius in craftsmanship and art that was seen in every stepping-stone, carved stone or wooden doorway or piece of furniture. Vintage remains a hallmark of that which is exquisite and simply, nostalgically, beautiful!

Picture Courtesy CraftsBazaar