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The Channapatna Story: A Craft Reimagined

Discover the 200-year-old history of Channapatna's lac-turnery craft, from its royal origins with Tipu Sultan to its modern revival. We are dedicated to preserving this heritage by blending traditional techniques with contemporary, functional design.

The Hands Behind the Craft

We are a collective of passionate people, and our artisans are the heart of Varnam. We work to provide sustainable livelihoods, especially for women artisans who are breaking barriers and leading their own units.

Kitchen & Dining: Functional Art for Your Table

We believe everyday objects should be joyful. Our kitchen and dining collection reinterprets the Channapatna craft into playful, useful items, from airtight storage jars and quirky bar accessories to colourful coasters, all finished with non-toxic, food-safe lacquers.

Earthy Ceramics: From Auroville with Love

Sourced from our artisan friends in Auroville and Pondicherry, this collection of ceramic ware is earthy, soothing, and beautifully imperfect. From modern dabra sets for filter coffee to versatile bowls and mugs, each piece brings a sense of calm to your table.

Decorative Dolls & Festive Traditions

For centuries, Channapatna was known for its 'Gombes' or dolls, especially for the Dasara festival. We are reviving these lost traditions with our collection of handcrafted dolls, celebrating cultural forms like Theyyam, Kathakali, and Yakshagana.

Lighting & Lamps: Handcrafted Glow

Light up your home with our unique collection of lamps. We pair glossy, hand-turned Channapatna wooden bases with beautiful handloom fabric shades like Ikat and Khadi, creating table lamps, wall sconces, and pendant lights that make a statement, day or night.

Desk & Office Companions

Bring joy and life to your everyday workstation with our playful desk companions. Handcrafted in the Channapatna style, our pen stands, note holders, and paperweights serve as perfect corporate gifts or a touch of childlike wonder for your own desk.

Playful Pastimes: Handcrafted Games

Reconnect with timeless classics, reimagined with a touch of craft. Our collection of board games, including chess and tic-tac-toe, are a fusion of Channapatna woodwork and other Indian crafts like Lambadi embroidery, making for a beautiful and engaging pastime.

Wall Accents & Home Decor

Add a touch of whimsy and function to your walls and shelves. This collection includes our bestselling animal-themed wall hooks, unique circular photo frames guarded by a little bird, and other decorative accents that tell a story.

A Touch of Whimsy: The Christmas Collection

Welcome to a whimsical Christmas wonderland, crafted in Channapatna. Our collection of handmade ornaments, from Rudy the reindeer to our Flaky family of snowmen, are timeless keepsakes designed to be passed down through generations, sparking joy year after year.

Indian Folk Art: Minimalist Modern Stories

We believe a beautiful piece of art can transform any space. This curated collection honours traditional Indian folk art forms like Gond, Bhil, and Mysore School, framed to fit seamlessly into the modern home. Each piece carries a soul that no digital print ever could.

Our Homes: The Varnam Store Experience

Our stores are not just retail spaces; they are homes filled with warmth, stories, and a passion for craft. Housed in unique locations like old bungalows and heritage villas, we invite you to step in, explore our curated world, and feel the joy of our creations.

From the Founder's Desk

Our founder, Karthik, shares the personal stories, inspirations, and reflections that have shaped Varnam. This is a space for a deeper connection, exploring the 'why' behind our work, from childhood memories in Chettinad to our mission of reviving Indian crafts.