Those with a discerning eye never underestimate the value of the right products in beautifying a space. Yet very few brands understand the importance of the product in the overall design narrative. Fortunately, Ikkis helmed by Gunjan Gupta does.
At first glance, Ikkis seems to be a design label, but at closer inspection, one discovers it incorporates a design philosophy touching on every aspect of a space. Inspired by the number 21 or ikkis in Hindi, which carries the weight of spiritual and cultural significance, the brand reimagines 21 iconic Indian objects and rituals for the modern world.
“What makes Ikkis special is how seamlessly we blend craftsmanship and utility. The collections are created using materials like copper and terracotta, echoing Ayurvedic principles and our collective memory of Indian kitchens. Every piece, whether stackable, modular or buildable, is designed with care. It encourages a slower, more mindful way of living and provides an everyday function, layered with meaning,” explains Gupta, the founder and creative director at Ikkis.
An internationally acclaimed product designer, Gupta earned a Master’s degree from the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London. She is also the founder of Studio Wrap, an awardwinning design practice and a luxury interiors, furniture and product design studio. Gupta’s work has been showcased at prestigious international exhibitions at prominent events such as Salone del Mobile, Maison & Objet, and Design Miami.
Gupta also bears the distinction of being the only Indian designer whose works are featured in the permanent collections of the world’s most esteemed institutions, including MAD Paris, the Museum of Decorative Arts, M+ Museum Hong Kong and most recently, the prestigious Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Her name was also included in Phaidon’s ‘Designs for Life’, a definitive list of the world’s most influential designers. The Sunday Guardian recently met Gupta for a chat about her vision and brand. Excerpts from an edited interview:
Q. What is the idea behind IKKIS?
A.Ikkis was established in 2019 with a clear vision – to reimagine traditional Indian objects by infusing them with contemporary design aesthetics. The brand originated from a passion to both honour India’s extensive artisanal heritage and present it in a way that resonates with a global audience. The name ‘Ikkis’ meaning twenty-one in Hindi, serves as a symbolic nod to the 21st century, representing the brand’s mission to bridge the gap between time-honoured Indian craft traditions and modern sensibilities.
Q. What is the idea behind your most popular product ranges?
A.The product range at Ikkis beautifully reimagines familiar, everyday Indian objects. These include the lota, tiffin, matka, and chai glass through a contemporary design lens. This transformation elevates these functional forms into refined homeware and tableware, encompassing a diverse selection of serveware, dinnerware, décor and exclusive limited-edition collectables. The design philosophy at Ikkis is deeply rooted in material storytelling, skilfully blending traditional Indian mediums, such as brass, marble, copper and terracotta, with modern silhouettes and finishes. The resulting collection is both evocative and practical as the objects resonate with cultural memory while effortlessly integrating into contemporary lifestyles. Characterised by their stackable function and thoughtful consideration, these pieces pay homage to heritage through design that feels fresh, relevant and enduring.
Q. What is the idea behind your retail layout?
A.While Ikkis does not maintain a standalone retail store, a curated selection of the brand’s offerings can be experienced at Studio Wrap, located in Mehrauli, New Delhi. Within this thoughtfully designed studio space, the Ikkis collection is presented in a way that encourages tactile engagement, inviting visitors to explore the textures, materials and narratives woven into each object. Rather than a conventional retail setup, the studio serves as a stage for cultural storytelling, where traditional Indian forms are reimagined through a contemporary perspective. This immersive environment effectively blurs the boundaries between gallery, store and studio, creating a distinctive encounter with the world of Ikkis.
Q. What would you say is the USP of Ikkis?
A.Ikkis is a storyteller through objects, weaving the rich tapestry of India’s cultural memory into each meticulously crafted piece. Its distinctive strength lies in honouring the material heritage of traditional Indian forms, reimagining them with a contemporary voice that is both poetic and purposeful. Every creation carries the echoes of time – celebrating craftsmanship, history and rituals – while embracing innovation and modern sensibilities. Rooted in slow design and sustainability, Ikkis transforms everyday objects into vessels of memory and meaning, offering a whimsical minimalism that is deeply Indian at heart yet resonates across cultures and generations.
Q. What are you working on next?
A.Ikkis is continually evolving, expanding its vision to embrace a larger community of master craftsmen and artisans. The upcoming collections will delve deeper into ceremonial and festive dining traditions, with a focus on handcrafted dinnerware, decor and gifting that bridges regional craft clusters and modern production techniques and materials. Through the Ikkis Limited series, the brand emphasises collaborative partnerships founded on equality and respect for heritage while embracing a whimsical design ethos.
Q. How would you summarise the offerings at Ikkis?
A.Ikkis is much more than a design label. It is a movement to preserve cultural memory and identity through beautifully crafted objects. The brand actively champions sustainable and inclusive craft revival, partnering with Indian artisans to create pieces that are both economically empowering and deeply meaningful. At its heart, Ikkis celebrates the poetry of everyday Indian life, transforming its rituals and textures into contemporary designs with timeless relevance.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www. nooranandchawla.com.