“It's a slow life and a conscious mindset of creating something by hand that takes time and appreciating the person behind the product and the deeper story of heritage craft that goes behind it.”
In this fast world of mass consumerism, Sienna hopes to bring awareness to the hands that make your tableware. Sienna is a homegrown design studio that tells the story of Bengal through its traditional craft, food, and local craftsmanship. Born in Daronda, Shantiniketan in 1993 and raised in the culturally rich capital, the studio works closely with Indigenous artisans who handcraft textiles, ceramics, stationary, jewelry, and more. In 2015, Sienna expanded into F&B, focusing on food design using local and seasonal ingredients. This restaurant & store started as a unique concept that got national limelight in reputed publications like Travel & Leisure, Condenast, etc.
Celebrating local artisanal crafts & food design, the brand started as a workshop launched by Shanta Ghosh, an architect and businesswoman along with Prabhash Sen, a teacher and sculptor. The goal was to support local artisans, provide employment, and give them a platform. Her daughter Shuli Ghosh joined as a designer in the textile division in 2010 and now works as a creative head. She also designs for the ceramic section while her husband Rewant oversees the business and production.
“We use traditional techniques of hand-thrown pottery but try to create modern designs which are functional in today's day and age.” Sienna refers to the color of ‘burnt clay’ representing the local red soil of Bengal, along with art forms. The studio is run and managed by Bappa Da, a senior potter and artisan head who has worked for the brand for over 30 years, along with other experienced second and third-generation potters under him. Aashutosh is the factory manager who handles production and delivery, Shrikant Ghosh is the head of the glazing department, and 24 more artisans create the tableware that goes to the restaurant as well. Their pieces have been featured at Taj, Subko, and many other cafes and restaurants. They create their original mix of clay and non-toxic glazes. “Everything on the table is served by us and is handmade by artisans and chefs of Bengal.” The inspirations are derived from the picturesque landscapes, changing seasons, and fresh produce of the agricultural topography. The idea is to keep this age-old craft alive and appreciate its regional differences. The mother-daughter duo brings the vibrant and artistically rich soul of West Bengal to your table, with a charm that takes us back to our soulful history!
