Ubiquitous basket

“I like fruit baskets because it gives you the ability to send someone a piece of fruit without appearing insane. Like, if someone just mailed you an apple you'd be like "Huh?", but if it's in a basket you're like "Nice."” - Demetri Martin, an actor, writer and comedian.

When I read this, it made me smile… everything does look special in a basket and I love getting my presents in a basket.

Baskets were originally weaved for utilitarian purposes. The first baskets were made to carry and transport fruits, grain and nuts. Over time they became more decorative and the perfect packaging for gifts.

As per Wiki, while basket weaving is one of the widest spread crafts in the history of any human civilization, it is hard to say just how old the craft is because natural materials like wood, grass, and animal remains decay naturally and constantly. So without proper preservation, much of the history of basket making has been lost and is simply speculated upon.

The oldest known baskets have been carbon dated to between 10,000 and 12,000 years old, earlier than any established dates for archaeological finds of pottery, and were discovered in Faiyum in upper Egypt. Other baskets have been discovered in the Middle East that are up to 7,000 years old. However, baskets seldom survive, as they are made from perishable materials.

I have baskets all over my house. They make me feel like my home is tidy, organized and everything looks better in a basket! Adding a rustic feel to the home, they are in some way reassuring. I would believe that the art of weaving a basket is immensely satisfying.

I can’t imagine any home without a basket of some type somewhere…be it a small village hut or the most contemporary city dwelling. The type of basket available in every state or country changes according to the type of natural material found there. When I travel, I am always open to buying a basket that interests me.

I am from Northeast and baskets are made mostly of bamboo and cane there. My family has been working with these for like forever. 

Multipurpose, durable and pretty

We also got into these made with willow wicker from Kashmir:

Keeps veggies sorted in the fridge and good to keep fruits as well

Laundry basket keeps extra cushions & soft toys. Face towels in the duck basket/ regular round basket looks pretty in the washroom. Ear buds in a small basket is a nice way to keep them handy

I am now exploring new markets and new designs that fit into contemporary homes. Anybody have  design thoughts for these baskets?

Lamp it up

I had this lamp shade lying around that I had bought from Fab India for a lamp I intended to make. My lamp never came to be due to lack of correct tools however recently I managed to get a friend who makes bottle lamps to put it together for me and it now sits perfect on my table.

We found the beautiful green bottle of Jagermeister empty and I thought the shape was just what I wanted for my shade. Lo and behold my friend got to work and it was home before I could even blink!

He is a pro at this and I have people asking where can get they get their bottles lamped or shades matched like mine :)

My friend is obviously very proud of his handiwork and says it’s very simple knowing very well that drilling a hole in glass is a skill not mastered by everybody!

Every bottle is a potential lamp for him and we get to taste all sorts of alcohol, liquor, wine etc. as he picks any bottle that takes his fancy and then keeps calling people home to finish them quick! 

Here are some more lamps he has made:

Moet & Chandon champagne bottle from an important occasion. The jute shade is from a local store 

The moose pinned on the shade is so endearing

Johnny Walker bottle for the study table. If only it could also hold some booze... 

A cute caterpillar made by his son sits on it 

He also makes lamps from a lot of other things...here is one

Copper wires with LED attached to a metal jewellery box (wedding gift) is an amazing piece lighting up the dining space

I have an empty 5ltr Heineken beer canister that I want to turn into a lamp. This time I am going to sit with him and learn how to do this. That's another post when it happens :) Meanwhile you want a custom made lamp, feel free to get in touch.

Maa Lokhi’r Pechaa- What is it about an owl?

It was the last morning of my trip to Kolkata and I was still looking to take a souvenir for a friend. I wanted something typically Bengali that would fit into their contemporary home. Wandering around Kalighaat, I was wondering what would be apt when I spotted the perfect gift from Bong-land.

It sits in my home here

Known as Pechaa in Bengali, it was found in Kalighat (where you only get everything related to gods and praying) only because of its link to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.

There are different myths around the owl however in Bengal, the white owl always accompanying Lakshmi is considered auspicious and a sign of good luck.

Devdutt Patnaik’s article is interesting as it explores the identity of this owl.

What endeared me to this owl was that it felt so familiar and reminded of my bong roots… carved from wood by hand and painted in the typical Bengali graam (village) style and colours it instantly found place in my heart and home :) 

(I obviously picked one for myself as well and another one that sits among all the gods at my aunt's puja place)

My friend was delighted as well with his Pechaa

I saw it used as mirror frames & carved on wooden stool legs in Kolkata. Unfortunately I have lost the pictures I had clicked however I found this link to an article by another blogger who has written about this craft and has posted some lovely pictures in her blog life is a vacation. 

I intend to get a couple of these stools for my home on my next visit, there is no such thing as too much good luck... so pick your Pechaa at Kalighat if you visit Kolkata :)