In Photos: Tracing India’s History Through Its Chairs
Chairs are more than just furniture; they are storytellers of the past. A recent exhibition in Mumbai, titled A History of India through Chairs, showcased over 200 remarkable chairs that map the cultural evolution of India through their unique designs and craftsmanship.
– The Exhibition’s Curators: Organized by House of Mahendra Doshi, the exhibition features chairs collected by Anand Gandhi and Chiki Doshi over decades. Families of restoration experts, they showcased chairs sourced from diverse regions of India.
– Chronological Display: The chairs were arranged in chronological order, illustrating India’s seating traditions from the pre-colonial era to contemporary designs. The collection highlights global art movements that shaped Indian furniture, reflecting colonial influences from the 16th to the 19th centuries due to invasions by the Dutch, Portuguese, French, and British.
– Cultural Interplay: Vivek Gandhi, co-curator of the exhibition, remarked, “When colonial powers arrived, they brought their furniture while commissioning local artisans to replicate familiar European designs. As a result, India features a fascinating mix of chairs that vary from distinctly British or European styles to hybrids that merge Indian and Western elements.”
– Restoration Process: Many chairs in the collection arrived in poor condition, often with torn cushions or missing legs. Restoring these pieces is meticulous work, often taking months. For instance, a chair adorned with ceramic beads from Gujarat took eight months to restore.
– Notable Artifacts:
– A lounge chair by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who was invited to India by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1950s, exemplifies modernist design influences.
– Several 19th-century Anglo-Portuguese chairs from Goa reflect the artistic synthesis of colonial styles.
– The exhibition celebrates India’s diverse hardwoods such as teak, rosewood, and ebony, honoring the country’s rich tradition of craftsmanship.
Featured Chairs in the Exhibition
– 17th Century Carolean-Style Chair: Sourced from an old furniture shop in India, this chair features intricate carvings and gold thread embroidery, likely used by a British official.
– Anglo-Indian Throne Chair: Crafted from teak wood and adorned in burgundy and gold, this imposing chair symbolizes power and authority, possibly used by a British official in the 19th century.
– Durbar Hall Chair: A court chair belonging to a 19th-century Indian king from Gujarat, complete with a plaque detailing its carpenter and creation date.
– 18th Century Indo-Portuguese Bishop’s Chair: Originally intended for a Catholic bishop, this chair was later adapted for use in an Indian government office, featuring a distinct Ashoka emblem.
– Le Corbusier and Harp Chairs: Among the most popular pieces, a chair designed by Le Corbusier and a harp chair by Danish designer Jorgen Hovelskov demonstrate the evolution of design through cultural exchange.
– Moti Chair: Covered in intricate ceramic bead patterns from Kathiawar, this chair signifies the lavish lifestyle of local chieftains and took months to restore.
– Dutch Burgomaster Chair: Traditionally used by mayors in the Netherlands, this chair found its way into Dutch colonies, including India, highlighting the global spread of design practices.
– Art Deco Chair: This chair, featuring hidden compartments in its armrests, reflects the Art Deco movement’s influence in India during the 1930s, where modern aesthetics met traditional craftsmanship.
Chairs can indeed tell compelling stories, chronicling India’s historical tapestry through artistry and design. From colonial connections to local artisanship, the riches of Indian history are well-seated in these remarkable pieces. Discover more about the unique narratives behind these chairs and explore how they embody India’s vibrant heritage in furniture design.