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Bring out the silver

Purobi Menon

Ravissant, the house of haute couture, recently unveiled its Illusion 2000 sterling-silver collection as a tribute to the new millennium. Although the collection features myriad items, the theme is cohesive, incorporating elements of Indian religion and Mughal and Indian architecture. The designs speak of innovation and the end-products show skilled craftsmanship.

Among the collection's 93 exquisite products, the centre-stage belongs to the fruit bowl set on a marble base and featuring an oval cut-out pattern on its body. This item is technically flawless, made out of a single seamless, flat silver sheet heated to about 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit and spun around 15-18 times. The edges are hand-shaped. The same design has been used on a candlestand, as well. The smaller the item, the more difficult the feat.

The condiment set, inspired by the Qutab Minar, tapers from base to top and is an eye-catcher (Rs 23,500). The delicate, turquoise enamel handles are inspired by the colour used in Mughal inlay work.

The bonboniere or chocolate box has a dome-shaped lid, a la Taj Mahal, to conceal one's favourite confectionery. The Taj concept again features in a dome-shaped penholder with two containers, one of polished silver and the other sporting a brushed look. The matte and glossy contrast lends this piece an heightened attractiveness (Rs 9,000).

A set of paperweights in marble and black granite have a domed-top and a rounded base with the self-explanatory words, `Kiya' and `Karo', inscribed on them (Rs 3,000).

The puja set comprising a wick base, water receptacle and a bell is mounted on a trishul-shaped base. The flower vase is actually an inverted `Shivaling'.

A silver candlestand mounted on black granite takes the contours of a trishul, once again lending design to function.

A set of glasses and a water-jug are etched with the silhouette of a water-carrier, a woman with a `matka' on her head. The golden matka crowns the top of the jug and forms the base of the glasses. The entire set is made from 24-carat gold and the gilded surface has been scratched to give an appearance of a traditional Indian matka made of rough terracotta. The jug, through this design element, transcends its functional element to become a metaphor for water.

The man behind the Ravissant label, Ravi Chawla, and his wife, Mina, stress the philosophy behind their creations -- showcasing not just the latest but also the timeless. Ravi proudly says that the collection has been well-received both by Indian and for eign clientele.

Poonam Gupta, General Manager of Ravissant, says that a special, one-and-a-half year's training was imparted to the silversmiths at Ravissant's in-house workshops to ensure flawless work.

For designer pieces, the price tags are affordable. Poonam mentions that a special effort has been made to keep the prices of gift items reasonable. The candlestands, penholders, photoframes and oil fumers for aromatherapy fall in this category.

Ravissant retails from New Delhi and Mumbai and is scheduled to open in Bangalore and Chennai later this year.

Inset:

What makes Ravissant's silver special:

* A synthesised process from conception to execution.

* Silversmiths are given in-house training.

* All flawed pieces are discarded.

* Use of modern techniques such as ultrasound in the final stages of cleaning and polishing, to avoid flaws in the design.

* All Ravissant products are hallmarked stating the purity, designer's mark, year of manufacture and identity of the master-smith.

Picture by Purobi Menon