Vallari Harshwal Studio

Continuing the narration of "Under The Gulmohar Tree', sharing the story of 5 sisters from India, this collection is entirely hand crafted on potters wheel using terracotta clay.
The mint green and white colours on a red terracotta clay body background work as a quiet canvas for the Sgrafitto depicting the foliage and blooms of the Gulmohar Tree.
The glazed tableware has an air of artistic visual aesthetic, while being functional at the same time.

Once the lush plumes of Gulmohar flowers withered away, bright green curls of tender seed pods begin to replace them.
This is when the play time spread beyond just the sisters and embraced other kids of the Colony.
Once the pods turn brown and hard- they became weapons of unsurpassed strength. Groups were formed and imaginary battles were fought for the fruits and flowers growing around the bungalows of colonial times.
A single call from any mum to return home for a delicious meal would herald the end of their playtime.
Promises were made to continue the play next day. Seed swords were marked with initials of each child to avoid mix up!
Life had a simplicity to it then.
Adding to my growing treasure of narratives I craete- Beej (translated as seed), is a natural extension of Under The Gulmohar Tree.
This is a large platter with pale blue grey slip on the surface interspersed with deep brown coloured seeds. Sgrafitto of dispersing seed pods create a unique surface design on a backdrop of terracotta clay. The platter is coated in clear glaze and fired at earthenware temperature.

Beej Water Carafe- is a wheel thrown container made in terracotta clay. The vessel form draws inspiration from traditional Indian storage jars in metal. The carafe surface is covered in pale blue grey slip. Fine sgrafitto on the surface with smattering of deep brown stain adds unique visual aesthetic to the surface. This carafe can be bought as a vase or can be bought with small beer bowl which is designed to act as a lid and a drinking vessel.
Beej small bowl has hints of colours of the rich deep reds and browns of the Gulmohar seed pod has been generously spread on the its surface on a base of pale blue.
It is satisfying to design objects which are multifunctional. This bowl is created such that it plays the role of a lid for the water carafe while it can be used as a drinking tumbler or a small bowl.

This is a story of 4 friends. A story of friendships forged during the beautiful spring weather in India. About creating bond during the exam stress and still enjoying that first cup of tea in the morning. Appreciating the walk under the beautiful Amaltaas trees, with their golden yellow bloom. My work captures the flora and fauna during a certain season and the moment I live with my memories.
Amaltaas is a collection of handcrafted tableware, capturing the essence of youth and friendships made far away from home.
Plate size: 11 inches x 2 inches
material: glazed terracotta with coloured slip.

Beej (seed) collection is an extension of the design "Under the Gulmohar Tree'.
Wheel thrown in terracotta clay, this tableware is covered in white slip and deep brown stains bringing the colours of Gulmohar seeds to life.
The surface design is a delicate sgrafitto depicting seeds and pods on the surface.
Plate size; 8.5-9 inches
bowls- 4 inches approx.