Karnataka’s Bidri Craft Reimagined in Contemporary Furniture Design

FDT Bureau

It is fascinating to see how contemporary design continues to embrace historically and culturally rooted traditions, giving them a new voice while preserving their essence. One such example is the revival of Bidri work, the centuries-old metal inlaying technique from Karnataka, India. Traditionally known for its intricacy and rich heritage, Bidri is now being reimagined through modern forms, proving that timeless craftsmanship can find relevance in today’s design language. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Nolwa Studio’s Bidri Collection is a striking illustration of this concept. By applying this ancient craft to furniture and decor, the studio demonstrates how tradition can evolve into functional, contemporary pieces without losing its inherent beauty. The Bidri technique itself involves an eight-step process, where skilled artisans inlay pure silver wire into a blackened alloy of zinc, copper, and lead. The dramatic contrast of silver against the deep, dark metal forms the foundation of this collection. This balance of modern geometry and traditional artistry creates a unique aesthetic that is both luxurious and timeless.

The designs, ranging from tables and mirrors to lamps, are rooted in functionality while remaining visually rich. Unlike museum artifacts preserved only for admiration, these pieces are intended for everyday living. Among the highlights is the Drop Table, featuring a bowl-like base with Bidri motifs rippling across its surface. The concave design gives the impression of underwater rainfall, beautifully visible through the circular glass top. The Monolith Lamp offers another intriguing interpretation of a sculptural, multi-cuboid structure that conceals its true function. Its clever play of negative space, thickness and form engages the viewer, revealing its identity only upon closer inspection.

The Horizon Lamp transforms Bidri into an illuminated artwork. With layered silver inlays glowing against a satin-finished dark frame, it produces a warm gradient of light, resembling a golden horizon at dusk. Similarly, the Facet Mirror merges geometry with craft, its hand-laid striping and symmetrical planes creating a harmonious interplay of light, texture and reflection.

Image credit: Nolwa Studio