Kitchen & Dining: Functional Art for Your Table
We believe everyday objects should be joyful. Our kitchen and dining collection reinterprets 200-year-old Channapatna craft into playful, useful items for your home.
Our Kuruvi paper roll holders are easy to assemble and a must-have for your kitchen counter. Handcrafted from lightweight wood with natural dyes by our artisans at the new unit run by Pallavi, they bring a touch of whimsy to a functional item.
The Bekku Barni, which literally means 'cat on a jar' in Kannada, is a quirky storage jar and one of our classic designs. These fun, airtight jars make joyful gifts and can be used to store pretty much any dry goods.
From the tall and poised cat containers to the adorable mini Kuruvi jars and unique dragonfly dabbas, our box collection adds spirit and life to any corner. These whimsical, creature-inspired designs are perfect for storing your knick-knacks in style.
Our handcrafted wooden bar accessories have been a charming part of our collection for years. This video showcases the snappy crocodile wine holder, cheeky bottle stoppers, and joyful cork openers, all made by our Channapatna artisans with lightweight wood and natural dyes.
Our award-winning Oinkston coaster set is back in stock. This pig-themed tableware is a great decorative accessory for your living space while also being functional. The glossy finish is achieved through lac-turnery, a technique using natural dyes.
When I started working with Channapatna, it was mostly seen as a toy craft. My dream was to nudge this joyful craft into our everyday lives. This panda coaster set is an example of making it functional, playful, and something to be used daily.
Have you met Flappy, our coaster boy? This video shows the journey of our toys with a twist, from a piece of wood to a functional object. Our coaster series combines toy-like charm with a practical quality that adds quirkiness to everyday life.
The Kuruvi knick-knack storage boxes are one of our earliest designs and never go out of style. Perfect for housewarmings or wedding favors, these little birdies can be filled with dry fruits, chocolates, or the classic haldi kumkum.
The Bekku Barni, or 'cat-on-jar', is one of our oldest designs, reinterpreting the traditional craft in a quirky, functional way. This video shows how a simple piece of wood is transformed into this playful storage jar.
What secrets will you hide in your jar? Our whimsical dragonfly dabbas are perfect for holding your little treasures. The vibrant colours and playful design add a touch of magic to any space.
About Kitchen & Dining: Functional Art for Your Table
These pieces use a traditional lac-turnery finish, which uses natural dyes melted into the wood. Because they are finished with natural lac, they are food-safe for dry storage, but it is best to keep them away from heavy moisture or direct heat to preserve that signature glossy sheen for years to come.
From Toys to Table
When we started working with the Channapatna craft, it was largely recognized as a toy-making tradition. Our mission was to nudge this 200-year-old art form into the heart of the modern home. By combining the skills of artisans like Pallavi and Hameed with functional design, we have created kitchenware that feels like home.
Material & Craft
Everything in our kitchen and dining range is handcrafted from Aale Mara (Wrightia Tinctoria), a sustainably sourced, lightweight wood. The vibrant colors are achieved through lac-turnery, a technique where natural, non-toxic dyes are applied while the wood is spun on a lathe. This process creates the glossy, durable finish you see on our signature Barni jars and Kuruvi dispensers.
Design Philosophy: 'The Joy of Just Enough'
We design pieces that don't shout but rather fit seamlessly into your life. Whether it is our quirky Bekku Barni (cat-on-jar) storage or our Oinkston coaster sets, the goal is to make daily chores a little less boring. These are items intended to be touched, held, and used every day, not just displayed behind a glass cabinet.
Caring for Your Varnam Pieces
Because these items are made from natural wood and finished with organic lac, they are best suited for dry storage. They are not dishwasher or microwave safe. A quick wipe with a dry, soft cloth is all you need to keep them clean. If you notice the shine dulling after years of use, a drop of coconut oil on a soft cloth can help rejuvenate the wood's natural glow.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
9
Handcrafted Teak Kitchen & Dining Sets
19
Handmade Tableware & Stoneware for Your Home
Handcrafted Functional Art for Your Home
11
Custom Tableware and Kitchen Goods
Functional Art for Daily Life
25
Handmade Kitchen & Home Essentials
Looking for a specific handcrafted piece?
Search our collection by product type, theme, or kitchen use.
More from Handcrafted Home Decor & Kitchenware by Varnam Craft Collective
More services by Varnam Craft Collective