Naku Mora translates to “Four Trees” in Badaga, one of the indigenous languages of the Nilgiris.The name is taken from the title of a Buddhist story that highlights success being rooted in humility, authenticity and being true to oneself.
Ayushi is a Product Designer who graduated from Symbiosis Institute of Design. After six months of playing with varied materials and dabbling with spirituality, one fine day, she decided to make a clay pot for a little plant on her windowsill. This is when destiny turned her to the art of pottery. She started experimenting with terracotta in 2016 and moved to ceramics in 2019, focusing on the functional aspect of the craft.
In July 2024, the self-taught potter decided to launch Naku Mora in mystical Coonoor, along with the artist and co-founder Mukund Ravishankar, who also handpaints on the pieces. This new venture aims to focus on an exclusive range of tableware that is wheel-thrown, finished with unique micro-crystaline glazing (formulated in-house with raw stone powders) and semi matte surfaces. “I feel anything too reflective distracts me from the form of the object, I am drawn towards balanced surfaces and textures that enhances the form.” Their pieces carry the minute textures found in nature's quiet corners.
Hailing from the hills of Dehradun, Ayushi has been surrounded by mountains, and forests all her life. Her love for lush nature reflects in her forest-inspired palette that beautifully harmonizes with the food plated or the drink served. As a designer, she plans her series and collections through brainstorming, ideating, sketching, prototyping, studying user experiences and then crafting - The form always follows the function. Working with artisans, her wares are raw, minimal, and perfect for modern lifestyles. “A mug is a simple everyday object with a deeper value in your daily routine. Our intention is to replace this mug with the meaningful details of a handcrafted one that has a soul and a story in it, that you can connect with!”
She says her artform is her lifestyle - “Pottery has helped me balance my masculine and feminine energies, as the process starts in a labour-intensive way but then I shape and nurture it into a beautiful form gently. It has helped me unlock my sensitivity and be aware of every surface I touch!” The idea is to be truly present and live a slow sweet life - No hurry, no stress. After all, good things take time, especially when its handcrafted just for you!
