Shilpa Meja – Concrete / Teak Wood Table
by sāar - the functional art · Pune, India

sāar is a Pune-based design studio founded in 2020 by Indian designer Sneha Jajoo. The studio specializes in crafting furniture and spaces that seamlessly merge traditional and modern aesthetics through an experimental approach. By embracing minimalism, sāar’s designs offer a unique perspective that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship while presenting it in a contemporary context. The studio is deeply rooted in storytelling, embedding each piece with symbols and associations that reflect the cultural and historical nuances of its origins. Through meticulous attention to detail, sāar emphasizes the techniques and processes that go into the creation of its designs, ensuring that every piece resonates with authenticity and purpose. One of sāar’s defining characteristics is its commitment to traditional woodworking methods. The studio creates handcrafted wood furniture using age-old techniques, preserving the legacy of Indian artisanship while reinterpreting it for modern living. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the textures, finishes, and forms of their creations, which exude a sense of timelessness. Each piece serves not only as functional furniture but also as a narrative artifact, telling stories of harmony, disharmony, and the interplay between the two. The studio’s exploration of the "border zone" between harmony and disharmony sets it apart, as it challenges conventional design norms to create pieces that are both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing. sāar’s work transcends the ordinary, offering furniture and spaces that are not merely objects of utility but also carriers of tradition, innovation, and artistic expression. By blending traditional techniques with a minimalist idiom, sāar continues to push the boundaries of design, creating spaces and pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.