And the twain meets

Rather appropriately, Kipling and Co. Arts, Chennai's latest shop of antiques has a rare, beautifully bound first edition of Rudyard Kipling's "The Second Jungle Book". And at 'Kipling Arts', despite the writer's famous East-West dichotomy, the twain do meet in the persons of Gomathi Subramanian, Martin Graham and Peter Davenport, three young art and craft collectors imbued with a passion for heritage. Utilising their keen eye for the unique and the unusual in antique and period furniture and artefacts, the trio's collection comprises enduring furniture pieces - both original and reproductions - which evoke the Raj flavour with its circular dining tables and matching chairs, ceiling-high book cases, hostess and 'conversation piece' chairs etc. Also showcased are stunning antique furniture from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa as well as items ranging from old coffee grinding machines to Burmese lacquerware bowls, Gujarati 'chakkis' and a rare Tanjore painting in which a gilded Lord Krishna reclines in a chaise - longue in the company of ravishing gopikas.

Massive antique chairs and grain boxes-turned chairs greet one at the entrance along with equally big chests which range from the Goan variety to the more familiar Gujarati dowry box. The antique, beautifully carved furniture from Gujarat are a stand out. Each can be converted into very ethnic and ingenious furniture forms such as three piece sitting room sets, coffee tables, peg tables, 'jhoolas' etc. A lot of low Rajasthani 'peedi' chairs can also be seen along with granary boxes of enormous sizes, imbued with a compelling rustic look. The brass facings and latches on the boxes are a work of art by themselves.

The Raj-colonial furniture makes equally compelling statements. Side board, wine cabinet, dining table and chairs whether old or newly crafted bring out the natural qualities of old wood. Each piece, many hand-picked by the three, is reflective of history and legendary craftsmanship. While the North Indian furniture celebrates sheesham, saal, aam and Indian teak, the South Indian collection is mostly carved out of rich rosewood and teak. The colonial furniture pieces are so authentically reproduced that it is difficult to tell an original from a reproduction.

All this and period prints too. Apart from old books and coffee table books, Kipling Arts has an exquisite collection of original Raj prints - of monuments, mosques, temples and typical native figures.

So while the essentially eclectic and discerning Chennai-ite goes to browse, imbibe and buy, the young trio is busy adding more antiques and period furniture to their collection. "We love what we are doing. The idea starting such a shop is to show art lovers the possibility of reproducing furniture with the same quality as the classic pieces". Kipling and Co. Arts is situated at 37, M.G.R. Road, Kalakshetra Colony.

PUSHPA CHARI

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