Inspired by traditional art forms, four craftswomen are turning mundane teapots vibrant

The aluminium kettles, which can be used to brew tea, can also function as a planter, holder for stationery or can easily enhance your living space as a decorative piece
Homemade TeaPot Ideas
Homemade TeaPot Ideas

When art and life are steeped in a teapot, the morning ritual of enjoying a cuppa becomes more personal. Narrating a tale rich in colour and texture, here’s our pick of four artists who have created a niche for themselves in the field of décor. Their oeuvres are not paintings on conventional canvas boards but vintage teapots. The aluminium kettles, which can be used as kitchenware, can also function as a planter, holder for stationery or can easily enhance your living space as a decorative piece.


Hues from Tamil Nadu
The teapots from Kriti Handmade helmed by Pabitha Prakash from Salem is a culmination of Indian aesthetics with a functional value. One of her most sought-after pieces is a Pattachitra-inspired Krishna and Radhe painted on one side of the 360 degree canvas. On the other face is the Athangudi tiles and the evocative suzhi kolam. The flange and the spout of the teapot are detailed with patterns akin to pillars of an antique Chettinad household. “Fascinated by wall murals, I wanted to replicate them on different mediums. Teapots, coasters, trays and ladles are my go-to options.” We also love her hand-carved wooden Pallanguzhi with Pichwai art in each of its concave pits. Starts at Rs 1,800.


An ode to culture
One of Rithika Kumar of Pyjama Party Studio’s distinctive pieces is a kettle that features the face of a doe-eyed Arabian princess half-covered with a see-through golden veil. The lady is set against a colourful backdrop of domes imbued with Arabesque motifs and bears semblance to the fictional city of Agrabah from the animated movie Aladin. “Experimenting with textures and unusual colour palettes is my forte. My vintage distressed teapots have different brush strokes, a lot of layering and sanding to achieve the texture and feel,” says the artist from Mumbai. Scrolling through her Instagram handle, we find an eclectic collection of teapots and glassware that are quirky, whimsical and one of its kind. Starts at Rs 2,200.


It’s raining desi
Chennai-based artist and illustrator Subadra Kalyanaram’s teapots show an inclination towards Indian art forms that carry designs like a Tanjore doll, a silhouette of a bharatnatyam dancer and Mughal royalty among others. Adding beauty to these subjects are Kanjeevaram sari borders, kalamkari and Madhubani designs. “It takes a lot of labour hours to get everything right,” reveals Subadra. Our pick of a favourite from her work is a rich red and cream-coated teapot illustrated with ethnic lamps, temple jewellery and recurring paisley motifs. Another slick one in muted shades of pink and green can also hardly go unnoticed in her Instagram page. Her earthenware that doubles up as a chai cup is something to look out for. Starts at Rs 2,500.


As autumn calls
Driven by her emotions, Hastkari’s Sumedha Milind Gaur’s work stands out quite literally, with the embossed foam clay shaped into bright yellow sunflowers, tulips and trailing plants. Constantly inspired by traditional folk art from India and Mexico, Sumedha revives the art of storytelling by beautifying the different items that now feature on her page. However, the minimalistic yet elegant designs on her kettle, sport geometric patterns and abstract art. “I’m inspired by what I see. If I’m yearning for rain, I paint peacocks and rainbows," says the artist from Noida. Starts at Rs 1,450.
 

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