In the heart of India’s textile industry lies a thread of history, woven with the strength of tradition and the flexibility of innovation. This is the story of niwaar, a humble yet mighty cotton tape that has bound together the fabric of Indian culture for centuries. Legend whispers that niwaar was born in the bustling bazaars of ancient India, where clever artisans sought a sturdy material to support the weight of royal palanquins. From these regal beginnings, niwaar found its way into the homes of commoners, becoming the unsung hero of everyday life. And today, Studio Trataka is proud to introduce their Bunaai Bench, honouring Niwaar – a captivating creation of Indian artisans and the true reflection of modern India’s traditional heart.
As you admire the effortlessly woven colorful niwaar tape and rope running through the metal frame of this entryway bench, you cannot help but reminisce about the warmth the charpai once brought to your ancestral homes. You will be transported to a bygone era as memories come flooding back from countless childhood days spent on the terrace under the clear blue skies. You can once again see people perched on the charpai, singing songs, casually chatting and gazing at the stars late into the summer nights. For countless Indians, the charpai holds such traditions deep within their hearts, which makes its near extinction from our modern fast – paced lives all the more heartbreaking!
Deep within the bustling Indian city of Jaipur, where ancient traditions dance with contemporary dreams, our talented designers found themselves captivated by the timeless charm of this beloved charpai. Inspired by the charpai’s significance for most Indian families, their minds began to weave a tapestry of ideas, as they envisioned a piece that would bridge generations while serving a modern purpose. They collaborated with local artisans, their weathered hands carrying centuries of craftsmanship, to breathe life into this innovative design. It wasn’t just about creating a bench, it was about documenting a long – forgotten story, with each weave of niwaar reflecting a narrative of Indian tradition and culture. The result was a masterpiece, a bench that paid homage to the beloved charpai of Indian grandparents – the Bunaai Bench. Craft a cozy welcome to your world by bringing home this woven wonder!
Bunaai Bench – A Tribute to the Baroque Niwaar Bunaai Technique
A masterfully curated doorway is the need of the hour for any modern mansion. Like a silent ambassador, a well – chosen console or an artfully placed bench sets the stage for your home’s aesthetic journey. Revamp walking into your home with the stunning beauty of Studio Trataka’s Bunaai Bench, reminiscent of the heart of India – the charpai – that has beautifully stood the test of time. This humble seat provides a practical solution, ensuring ease and grace in transitioning from the exhaustion of the outside world to the comfort of your home. In its simplicity, this heritage – style bench enriches daily routines with a touch of elegance and thoughtfulness, transforming them into cherished rituals.
In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and homogenized aesthetics, crafts like niwaar stand as a beacon of individuality, sustainability, and cultural pride. The rhythmic clack of niwaar looms still echoes through a few of India’s narrow lanes, where zealous weavers transform simple cotton into colourful bands of strength with exquisite patterns that demonstrate their unparalleled skill and creativity. Niwaar’s versatility knows no bounds as it effortlessly cradles babies in traditional jhoolas, supports the weight of charpais, and adds a splash of color to bags and belts. As the World rushes forward, the unique technique of weaving niwaar tape stands as a testament to India’s enduring craftsmanship.
Preserving such traditional crafts is paramount, not only to honor and continue the legacy of our ancestors but also to sustain the livelihoods of countless Indian artisans who rely solely on them for survival. To this noble pursuit, Studio Trataka has given new lives to ancient Indian crafts in the form of stylish home accessories and modern Indian furniture. With our beguiling Bunai Bench, we pay tribute to the niwaar cotton tape that has been the bedrock of charpais across the Indian subcontinent since about 5000 years. This durable Bench is an admirable advocate of niwaar tape weaving : an ancient Indian craft that is a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and artistry, intricately woven into the fabric of our nation’s identity. This fusion of tradition and functionality is more than just a piece of furniture; it is an artistic statement, an object d’art that tells the story of India’s rich heritage and its journey into the future, while transforming your dwelling place into a gorgeous gallery.
