Rajasthan Hand-Painted Sheesham Wood Serving Bowl

Turned from sheesham, Dalbergia sissoo, North Indian rosewood, by artisans in Rajasthan, then hand-painted in the bold, unhurried stroke style of the region's folk craft tradition. Sheesham is one of the most difficult woods to turn: dense, heavy, close-grained. The weight of the finished bowl is the first thing you notice when you pick it up.

Sheesham, known elsewhere as Indian rosewood, is a hardwood from North India with a grain that runs dark and close. Artisans in Rajasthan turn this bowl from a single piece, then paint its exterior by hand: broad, assured brushwork in the region's folk tradition, using colour combinations that have not been arrived at accidentally. Each bowl is painted individually, which means the pattern repeats but never identically.

Set it on a kitchen counter for fruit. Bring it to the table for a simple kachumber. Leave it in the living room with keys and change and the small objects that accumulate near the door. The painted surface will show wear at the rim over time. That is the bowl declaring which part of itself gets touched most often.

Sheesham Wood · Hand-Painted · Rajasthan · Folk Craft Tradition

Care Instructions

• Brass will develop a natural patina with use, this is not a defect, it is the object becoming yours.
• Hand wash only with mild soap and lukewarm water. Never put in dishwasher.
• Wipe dry immediately after washing. Do not leave wet.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool, use a soft cloth only.
• Polish periodically with a brass-cleaning powder or lemon and salt to restore lustre.