The Déesse Collection: Hand-Carved Storytelling in Clay
Inspired by the 1920s Bombay spirit, this collection features intricate, hand-carved mugs and vases that bring character to your daily rituals.
A closer look at the 'Parizaad' mug from my Déesse Collection, featuring detailed sgraffito carving in black. The form is designed to be comfortable to hold, making your daily coffee or tea a unique experience.
This is the 'Parizaad' mug in white, showcasing the delicate and intricate lace pattern. Each line is carved by hand, making every single mug a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art.
The 'Fiona' mug in white from the Déesse Collection. The design is softer, reflecting a different personality, but with the same attention to hand-carved detail that defines these pieces.
Here is the 'Fiona' mug in black, offering a bolder take on the design. The contrast between the dark carving and the natural clay body highlights the intricate linework.
The 'Fiona' tumbler in white, a handle-less option for those who prefer it. It carries the same story and detailed carving as the rest of the Déesse Collection.
This is the 'Fiona' tumbler in black. The sgraffito technique used here involves carving through a layer of slip to reveal the clay body underneath, creating a striking visual texture.
Here I am arranging flowers in a Déesse vase. The collection extends beyond drinkware to include decor pieces that bring the same narrative of strength and beauty into your living space.
A sneak peek of the Déesse vases before their official launch. You can see the detailed carving that wraps around the form, making them beautiful from every angle.
A quiet moment with a Déesse mug. I design my pieces to be part of your daily rituals, to be used and loved, not just admired on a shelf.
The Déesse collection is born from stories and sketches. Here I am, working on new ideas with one of the finished pieces right by my side for inspiration.
About The Déesse Collection
When you hold a piece from my Déesse collection, you will notice the texture immediately. That is the result of the sgraffito technique, where I scratch through layers of slip to reveal the clay body beneath. It is not just about the look. These raised, carved patterns provide a grip that feels secure and intentional in your hand, making your daily coffee ritual feel a bit more grounded.
The Déesse Collection is more than a set of mugs. It is a tribute to two sisters from 1920s Bombay, Fiona and Parizaad. I wanted to capture their distinct spirits in clay. Fiona is the dreamer with soft, flowing lines, while Parizaad is the rebel, represented by sharper, bolder carvings. Every piece in this series undergoes a labor-intensive process. I spend hours on the manual carving, using high-fired stoneware that ensures your mug or vase is not just pretty, but durable enough for years of use.
Because these are made in small batches, every mug has slight variations that make it a one-of-a-kind piece. You might notice the 'GOAK' studio mark on the foot of your piece, which is my way of stamping the process and the effort into the clay. These pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe, but I recommend hand-washing to keep those delicate, carved ridges looking sharp over time.
If you are visiting my studio in Indiranagar, you can pick these up in person, or I can have them shipped to you across India. Whether you are looking for a statement vase or a mug that makes you feel a little more connected to the story behind the art, I hope you find something here that speaks to you. If you have questions about which glaze suits your space or how to pair these with your existing tableware, just reach out.
Gauri Oak
I am Gauri, and I run GOAK Ceramics here in Indiranagar. This studio is where I turn clay into stories, like the Déesse mugs you see here. I love keeping the process real and sharing the messy, beautiful reality of making pottery with my community.
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