THE EASTERN RECLINE
Since colonial times, chairs in India have been symbolic of power and authority
Gunjan Gupta’s work, including the Eastern Recline chair, borders between design and art, with the unique philosophy that captures the cultural narrative and paradoxes of India.
Previously named by Elle Décor India as Designer of the Year, Gunjan is India’s leading product designer. The Eastern Recline chair has been worked with hardwood, pure silver and 24 carat gold leaf, which are intrinsic to the decorative arts of India.
Gunjan’s signature work is an artful mix of Indian forms and rituals transformed into ultimately desirable hand crafted pieces.
A trailblazer of Indian design, her iconic creations have been exhibited in leading art and design events, including Frieze in London, Kochi-Muziris in India, the renowned Maison & Objet, Miami Design, Art Basel, Salone del Mobile in Milan, Design Days in Dubai, Triennale Design Museum Milan and Venice Architecture Biennale.
Gunjan describes her work as: “A playful blend of Indian forms and rituals transformed into contemporary handmade objects having universal appeal that are functional and sculptural at the same time.”
Born in Mumbai in 1974, Indian designer Gunjan earned her bachelor’s degree from St Xavier’s College in Mumbai in 1993.
She went on to study interior design and decoration at Sophia Polytechnic in Mumbai (1995), before working as an interior designer in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Seven years later, she returned to her studies gaining a master’s degree from London’s Central St. Martin’s College in 2006. That same year, she founded Wrap Art & Design, a New Delhi based luxury furniture and product design studio.
Wrap is committed to sustainable materials and principles as well as high-end handicraft. The studio works with traditional craft communities in India to develop a range of contemporary furniture, accessories, customised products and unique interiors.
Its name is inspired by the concept that wrapping any item imbues it with a new identity and set of values. Since launching Wrap, Gupta has represented India’s handmade and craft industries through her own practice and strived to reposition the idea of ‘Made in India’ as a luxury standard on a global scale.
Gunjan is the only designer based in India to be on the international map as a torch bearer for Indian crafts with future projects including her future role as Curator at Revelations, Grand Palais in Paris.
Her efforts in these regards have earned her several awards including the British Council’s Young Creative Entrepreneur Award in 2007. In 2012, she was named Designer of the Year by Elle Décor as well as being included in Fortune Magazine’s five names to watch in luxury.
