Traditional Indian Basketweaving Techniques Translate into Contemporary Installations

From a single material, a Hyderabad-based design studio creates a wide range of site-specific installations, furnishings, and decor. It’s all in the name of the firm, The Wicker Story, which was founded in 2019 by architect Priyanka Narula. Capable of being formed into everything from abstract constructions to functional objects, the natural material lends itself a huge variety of pieces that vary in size and complexity.

Wicker is a common technique used for basket-weaving and other applications in India, and The Wicker Story evolved out of a fascination with the geometry and math inherent in traditional Indian pieces. The material and process nods to a time-honored aesthetic while emphasizing organic forms, fluidity, and experimentation.

an abstract, large, wicker lighting fixture with segments that resemble petals — “Flowering Vines”

A swirling plane descending from a light fixture, a bean-shaped bench, and a bulbous floor lamp are just a couple of The Wicker Story’s woven creations. Botanicals often provide reference points, as abstracted petals and vine-like tendrils often complement the compositions.

After refining the possibilities of the technique, including colorful dyes and a range of forms, the studio is honing a core collection that will continue to mature and grow. “We are currently translating those traditional wicker techniques into metal weaving; it’s a rigorous research-and-development process that we look forward to debuting fully next year,” the studio says.

See more on The Wicker Story’s website and Instagram.

an undulating wicker bench — “Bark Bench”

a large lighting installation with a swirling wicker plane descending from the center — TWS x Seraspire lighting feature collaboration

an undulating, bulbous floor lamp with varying shades of brown and burgundy wicker — “Bark Lamp”

a contemporary wicker bench that resembles a bean, dyed green on one side — “Imli Bench”

an undulating, abstract wicker lighting fixture with elements that resemble petals — “Flower” installation

a wicker bench that resembles a bow or a folded serpent — “Bow Bench 1”

a wicker bench with a color gradient changing from dark purple to orange — “Sunset Beach”

a tall vertical lighting fixture enclosed in an undulating form of wicker — “Bloom”

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