Maat originates from the idea of bringing an earthy texture into our interior space. The set of tables visualised as part of our home stands as a metaphor and reminds us to see beauty in the simplest things. Stripped of ornamentation, it stays bold and confident with its undulated cylindrical form. The imperfections in hand-made flutes, almost subtly reflect the movement of the potter's hand and build an innate connection between the maker and the end-user.

The tables gain their distinctive personalities over the course of exploring different traditional firing techniques. The age-old wood-firing process gives it a natural terracotta finish, while the tables reduction-fired develop a smoked-charcoal texture over terracotta. The process transforms a fragile material like terracotta into something that appears bold and strong. “It was a challenge to control the temperatures and analyse quantities of combustible materials that were required to put in the vessel. The weather was another crucial aspect. During the monsoons, the clay took longer to dry. Some pieces dried from the top, but the inner surfaces were still moist, while others developed cracks during this stage, and we couldn’t fire them.”

The process of reduction firing is such that you are vulnerable and determined at the same time. Once it goes inside the kiln, one cannot control the process; some pieces turn out black, others gradients in black and silver, some with only patches of ash, and most break entirely in the process. “You naturally grow admiration for the process and accept however the variations in the texture comes out. It is what makes these tables beautiful and gives them a unique identity.”

Maat collection showcases the true nature of the process and celebrates how each table despite irregularities exhibits their strong personality. It reminds us that it is our vulnerabilities that make us beautiful.