Filter Coffee – Gift of India to the Coffee World

November 30, 2015November 30, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 6 Comments

A lot happens over coffee. True. Specially for coffee addicts like me. Addicted to filter coffee, not because it is from my country India, but it is like none other.

If there is heaven on earth, then it must be in the kitchen where Indian filter coffee is brewing. Particularly so in South Indian homes. And the aroma of the heavenly beverage wafting from the kitchen gets your taste buds tingling, even before you take that blissful first sip. You think I am exaggerating? Walk into an Indian home in the wee hours of the morning, or early evening and you will know what I am talking about. Wait, just pause before you ring the doorbell ; an aroma is filling your nostrils, right? Walk in and you will get a cuppa, rich in taste and true to its aroma.

So you loved it and you wish to ask for another cup, even as you are halfway through. But wait, you may not want another for sometime. A cup of South Indian filter coffee is so satiating, you are probably crooning, ‘I am on the top of the world…..’!!

If South Indian filter coffee is to be traditionally made and has to be as exotic as I am making it sound here, you will need a special metal device, looking like this. You can buy it at The Sandalwood Room. Head to Tras Street, pop in at this lifestyle boutique, pick up your Indian filter coffee set, that comes with an instruction manual and coffee suggestions. This coffee sounds divine, but is very simple to whip up. You may want to try it out ASAP !! The Sandalwood Room will help you with where to buy the coffee powder.

The South Indian filter coffee set at The Sandalwood Room

Make your filter coffee :

Prep time : 5 mins

Brewing time : 10 mins

Serves : 2

Coffee powder : 3 tbsps

Water : 3/4 cup

Fresh milk and sugar : as required

The device has four components – two cylindrical cups, a pierced pressing disc with a handle and the lid. The upper cup is perforated and is to be fitted into the lower cup. Now load the perforated cup with the required amount of coffee powder and gently spread it out evenly. Place the pressing disc on top of the coffee powder. Pour the required quantity of boiling water after the steam has settled down over the disc, close the lid and allow the coffee to drip into the lower cup. Voila ! It is magic in the making ! I hear a similar device is used to make Vietnamese coffee too.

The resulting brew so gradually got from the device is generally stronger than the western drip/filter coffee, or even the espresso. Add boiled milk and sugar per requirement.

Now for some more specifics. Traditionally, the South Indian filter coffee is drunk out of a stainless steel tumbler. Trust me, it enhances the taste. Not the same if you sip it out of a china cup.

This is how it is served. Frothing hot coffee in the tumbler with the wide steel cup, the ‘dabarah’. South Indians love filling the coffee tumblers to the brim and they want it steaming hot. Now you get it ? Yes, the wide cup serves a few purposes. Mixing the sugar and the added milk thoroughly; cooling the beverage down to a sipping temperature and getting a frothing. Watch the south Indians pour the coffee back and forth expertly between the dabarah and the tumbler and take their first sip, you will know it is satisfying!

Trivia about South Indian filter coffee:

It is a kind of cultural icon in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra, the four southern states of India.
Coffee was introduced to South India by Baba Budan in the 17^th century. Until the middle of the 20^th century, traditional households used only jaggery and honey to sweeten coffee. I guess we can take a tip from that for health reasons, but the taste will certainly vary.
Most commonly used coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta, medium roasted and finely ground.
Best made with fresh buffalo milk. Back in our childhood days, the milkman would get the buffalo to our doorstep, milk the animal and give us jars of fresh frothy milk. Coffee beans were roasted and ground afresh every morning. But, gone are those days!

It is winter now in India and a season of music particularly in the southern region. The Indian diaspora from all over the world travel to this region, to attend music festivals and eat mouth-watering traditional food during their stay. Cups and cups of the filter coffee are devoured at all times of the day. Like they say, ‘anytime is coffee time’!

Saravana Bhavan is an Indian chain of restaurants found in most cities of the world. If you haven’t tasted South Indian filter coffee yet, that’s the place to go to. Some cities like Singapore and Kaula Lumpur have Murugan Idli Shop, another such eatery that has traditional vegetarian fare on their menu. Ask your friends travelling to India to get you the South Indian filter coffee device and coffee powder. Here are some brands : Narasu’s, Leo, Cotha’s, Udhayam, Bru, Coorg and Kaapi. Singapore, Cotha’s and Coorg are easily available in the city. Lavazza will do as well. Or shop online. .

Tips for brewing a perfect filter coffee

Fresh coffee powder, fresh decoction and fresh milk make a difference. Left over decoction, a no-no.
Equal quantities of freshly roasted and ground Peaberry and Plantation A coffee beans are mixed for super tasting coffee. Just keep this in mind. Those staying away from India may not have access to these, but its good to know.
If the perforated metal coffee filter is blocked, hold it over direct flame for 2-3 seconds, or clean out the holes with a pin and then use it.
Dry the filter well before adding coffee powder.
Coffee filters come in various sizes. If using less coffee powder, use a small coffee filter.

Even as write this, it feels good to know from an U.S study, that coffee drinkers may live longer. Google for more information.

Everything in The Sandalwood Room is hand-made, hand crafted. In keeping with that, filter coffee hand-made and not machine dripped.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 62212655 / +65 97865896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandalwoodroom/?fref=ts

Looking For Fine Dinnerware That Lasts, Singapore ?

November 25, 2015November 25, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 2 Comments

The Sandalwood Room from Singapore brings Nishita Fine Dinnerware, resistant to chipping and scratching. With handcrafted embellishments for their discerning customers.

Representative dinner set The Sandalwood Room

Components representative of their dinner sets

Do you remember how fiercely your mother and grandmother guarded their fine china, from the clumsy men and the careless brats of the house? And from the hands of the maids, who thought the dinnerware was merely plates and bowls to eat from?

You are likely to do the same. When you become the proud owners of Nishita Fine Dinnerware. I can already picture some of you running your hands fondly over your dinner plates, as you unpack your purchase. Anything so fine deserves a celebration and I can’t think of a better way than having people over. Conversations, aperitif wine, canapés, your favourite music and a lot of laughter. Sounds like perfect accompaniment to a dining table, so well laid.

So what first draws us all while shopping are the looks. With Nishita Fine Dinnerware, the elegant and unique designs arrest your eyes. I cannot but notice the exquisite artistry and workmanship, that gives a touch of class to their porcelain. Attention to detail is so evident and a closer look tells me the motifs are handcrafted. Making them timeless. Little wonder then I thought, that The Sandalwood Room displays them so proudly.

Fine detailing in crimson and gold

There is another buyer by my side now, one of those that leaves nothing to chance. I listen, as this smart staff of The Sandalwood Room explains how the use of Japanese technology gives the dinnerware a smooth, flawless glaze and refined translucency. The Japanese are masters at giving porcelain ware strength, hardness and toughness, which also explains for the dinnerware being resistant to chipping and scratching.

I hear the girl quoting Nishita Thakurdas, “An uncompromising attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship is the cornerstone of my dinnerware,”. Nishita Thakurdas is the founder of Nishita Fine Dinnerware. “Every individual piece has been handcrafted creating a harmony of elegance, artistry and impeccable quality”.

I accompany the buyer and we are both mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the Nishita Collection. ‘The Lotus at Fatehpur’ and ‘Jodhpur Evenings’.

The Lotus At Fatehpur

The Sandalwood Room Nishita Lotus at Fatehpur

Lotus At Fatehpur complete dinner set laid out

I am sure your guests will spend time admiring this splendid collection, before they help themselves to your delicacies. Reflecting the grandeur and richness of the Moghul era of ancient India, the collection seems like an homage to the majestic abode of emperor Akbar, in Fatehpur Sikri. Your guests may want to ask you more about the glory of Akbar – you can send them this link.

Each piece of the dinner set is handcrafted and embellished with 24k gold and luxurious crimson against pristine white porcelain, telling the tale of the Mughuls’ love for everything resplendent. The city of Fatehpur Sikri has most of its buildings in red stone and so is the symbolic use of red in this collection.

The complete dinner set comprises of 27 pieces – 6 dinner plates, 6 side plates, 6 bowls, 6 napkin rings, 2 serving bowls, and 1 platter

Jodhpur Evenings

Jodhpur Evenings laid out

The regal power of royal blue is timeless across all regions of the world. A romantic dinner for two, or a gala soiree, food certainly may taste better when eaten out of such a stylized collection. Intricate platinum edges crowning deep blue fit for royalty. Undertones of pure platinum making it perfect.

Watch your guests delight in the deep blue, the delicate arcs, the hidden hearts and the sweetly whispering birds. The Jodhpur Evenings series brings together strength and softness. Just like the Blue City , Jodhpur in Rajasthan, after which the collection has been named.

The complete dinner set comprises of 27 pieces – 6 dinner plates, 6 side plates, 6 bowls, 6 napkin rings, 2 serving bowls, and 1 platter.

We are surprised to hear that Nishita Fine Dinnerware is long-lasting. But then, so much care and detailing has gone into turning out such irresistible pieces, why would they not make them sturdy?

We are then told by The Sandalwood Room that this fine dinnerware, like all things fine, needs tender care. Sturdy it is, yet cannot be microwaved and dishwashed due to the gold and platinum ornamentation in it. We thought we should tell you this. After all, you are going cherish Nishita Fine Dinnerware. Click here for complete care instructions.

The Sandalwood Room, popular in Singapore for all that is handcrafted yet global, has now moved to Tras Street. A new location, but the same beautiful ambience. For Couture, Jewelry, Art, Home-décor, Gifts & Collectibles.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 62212655 / +65 97865896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandalwoodroom/?fref=ts

Handcrafted Trunks – The Sandalwood Room’s gesture to an eco-friendly Singapore

November 17, 2015November 17, 2015 / mythoughtlane / Leave a comment

As we hurtle towards Christmas and New Year’s Eve, cooler climes have set in in many regions. If warm clothing is on your list, so is warm bed linen I assume. Move on from thin quilts and comforters to thicker ones. What comes to my mind is the picture of hot cups of tea, coffee and soup, or your favourite poison coupled with a book, while you are tucked comfortably amidst soft warm cushions.

Pick your choice of handmade cushions and cushion covers from The Sandalwood Room. They come in pretty patterns of block prints in both vibrant blues and greens, or earthy shades. Don’t miss the draw-strings on the cushions ; tie them up in colours that match or contrast!

Hand made cushion covers The Sandalwood Room

Hand made cushion covers, assorted

I have always wondered why patchwork is so sought after, be it on garments, or home linen. Probably because handcrafted patchwork is hard to replicate and is a mark of a vivid imagination. One can still tell the difference between mass made patchwork clothes (you can see them on the racks of the chain stores) and those stitched together from left-over pieces of fabric. There is a story of labour behind each piece of bed-linen at The Sandalwood Room.

Some embroidered, some patch-worked, some with applique work and some others in single colours, but all of them spoiling you for choice. You can choose any pattern to match your home in modern, traditional or geometric motifs.

Assorted quilts

Very few homes have just the bare number of cushions or quilts. And we are forever looking for spaces to tuck them in, when we play the ‘mix and match’ game. The Sandalwood Room has the perfect trunks to stash away all your linen. Light weight and easily movable, they make for good pieces of home décor too, while your quilts and cushions nestle within. Come to think of it, I can just about store anything in these trunks I guess.

I know Singapore loves everything recycled. A national recycling programme was launched in 2001 in Singapore and the rate across all sectors grew to a 61% by 2013. Rightly so, The Sandalwood Room introduced these multi-hued trunks that are made from recycled cloth and coir. They are representative of the art of Rajasthan in India. The natural fibre coir and recycled cloth, after being dyed, are woven together tightly around metal frames to make a trunk out of them.

Recycled cloth and coir trunk from the sandalwood room

Made from recycled cloth and coir

I went visiting a friend in Singapore and was quite surprised to see this pretty trunk perk up the contemporary look of the study room. And we spoke about how home décor is all about being creative and different.

So is fashion I would say. Would you team these irresistible shoulder sling bags with a western outfit, fashionistas of Singapore? Back in India, they are a rage.

Multi layered sling bags

This one here , the trunk in shades of blue and indigo is however a little different from the coir one. It is made from strong cotton fabric dyed in indigo and stretched over a metal frame with foam stuffing on the top, thereby lending itself to serve as a seat. Encased by leather and studded with rivets around the edges and corners, it seems well protected from accidental hits and nudges. Steel clasps to shut it tight. I would not relegate it to a corner, but place it midway against a wall well proportioned.

Trunk seat

Versatility is the hall-mark of The Sandalwood Room is what struck me as I browsed around, studying each piece of handcrafted art on their racks and shelves. A global feel too, I was gently reminded by Jay, the promoter of the boutique. Couldn’t agree with her more, what with collectibles, couture, jewelry, gifts, home decor and art sourced out from around the globe.

Ciao till I come back soon. And oh, by the way, they have moved to Tras Street.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 62212655 / +65 97865896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandalwoodroom/?fref=ts

For you Singapore, The Great Diwali Sale at The Sandalwood Room

October 26, 2015October 30, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 3 Comments

Shop at The Sandalwood Room for some stunning gifts this Diwali!

Don’t we all love to get lucky? And sometimes you don’t have to work hard and harder for it. You just have to walk in to The Sandalwood Room! Remember that look of glee on your friend’s face ( you obviously couldn’t see your own ), when you both won a box chocolates at a local fair, as children? We would love to see that on yours now, as you shop at The Sandalwood Room.

Singapore folks, festive times have begun and the mood is all set to shop. For all those celebrating Diwali and everything autumnal.

Head to Prinsep Street for your Diwali shopping. The Sandalwood Room is abuzz with goodies for the festival of lights.

Pick up stunning home- décor pieces and give your homes a makeover.
Shop for gifts and surprise your loved ones.
And for you – ethnic, yet trendy ensembles and fashion accessories to carry off that festive look as you go praying or partying.
Lanterns, candles, diyas and incense for your worship.

Welcome to The Sandalwood RoomYou can team these stunning neck-pieces with ethnic wear or contemporary

Wear art on your hands

Some costume and some fine jewelry

Collectibles just right for the season

Wall-decor with a difference

Make this beautiful box a store-house for your tiny treasures

Light and illuminate with this wrought-iron lantern

Home-decor to jazz up your rooms

Singapore is inherently a land of colours and during Diwali, people go all out to light up their homes and stores, glittering like never before. Surrounding themselves with the warm glow of the yellow light and basking in merry-making, turning it into a fantasy land.

Our gift to you this Diwali

There is an air of excitement and a heady mix of colours and textures out here at The Sandalwood Room! Browse, feel pampered and shop to your heart’s content.

And now, it is time to bring a smile to your face. Dip into the Pot of Luck, pull out a Sandalwood Room Diwali Voucher and watch your bill dip too! You just saved some $$$$$, so do you want to shop for more? Go ahead, you could get luckier and on a roll !

A sample of The Sandalwood Room vouchers – to reward your fine taste in shopping.

Vouchers that you can redeem with your current billing or the next. Gift them to your loved ones just like that, or turn them into little Diwali gifts. Either way, see faces light up, we know how it feels to be gifted! To some, it could be serendipitous!

This is a Diwali offer. So

Vouchers valid till Nov 9, 2015 only
Redeemable only at The Sandalwood Room, 76 Prinsep Street, for their products
Voucher redemption on select items only
Resolution of any dispute will be at sole discretion of The Sandalwood Room.

About Diwali, a small note

Diwali , like Christmas has gained international acceptance as the season for offering prayers, shopping, partying and merry-making. It is the biggest festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. While Diwali is strongly associated with Hinduism, a lot of Christians and Muslims do partake in the festivities too. Do you know why it is widely celebrated by Buddhists in Southeast Asian countries? Due to its association with the Ramayana and the underlying universal message of victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.

We are all set and we look forward to having you with us soon at The Sandalwood Room for your Diwali shopping. Till then, happy festive moments!

Find us : The Sandalwood Room, 76 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188663

Ph: (65) 6883 2369 and (65) 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandalwoodroom/?fref=ts

Mirror musings , the Illusionist , the Therapist

April 19, 2015November 16, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 3 Comments

Mirrors are Enhancers , of Space , Mind and Science

I had a garden in my bathroom and I lost it when my bathroom mirror crashed ! I lost the greenery , I lost the space , and music doesn’t sound the same anymore ! Where has all the brightness gone ? My bathroom is quite pretty but it has lost its soul ! I wish I had taken a picture while it adorned my bathroom. The mirror that had given me light , space and sound broke a few days back , shattering my chilling out zone. Hung right opposite the door of the bathroom which in turn faces a large window , the mirror was my gateway to a verdant surrounding. It was an illusion alright , mirrors are illusionists , but it felt like I was amidst plants and flowers , the image lifting my spirits every time I stood in front of the mirror , to brush my teeth or remove my makeup.

Light

The mirror brightened up my bathroom reflecting sunshine from the outside , through the door and the window opposite. Another window is strategically located at a 90 degree angle to the mirror with a flowering creeper on its outside and it only enhanced the feel of the room . Sunbeams played hide and seek , while the leaves and branches of the trees swaying in the breeze, gave me a sense of well-being and soothed my mind ! But now , with the mirror gone , feels denuded.

Space

I now feel claustrophobic ! Mirrors are space-enhancers , right ? With my illusionist gone , it feels like I am walking into the wall opposite every time I step into the bathroom.

Sound

You all know there are acoustic mirrors , mirrors that reflect sound waves. Such mirrors were used in Britain during World War II to detect sound waves from the enemy camp and their ammunition. There are , apparently a few such mirrors still around the coast of Britain , but alas , not easily accessible to the public or the tourists. I am now certain that my bathroom mirror was close to being an acoustic mirror , probably by default , I don’t remember having paid heavily for it. But , yes , music sounded better with the mirror in place . One of those that are hooked to music , I keep my bluetooth speaker tucked in a dry corner. But with the mirror gone , it sounds flat now. Wondering why I haven’t got myself a new gleaming one ? Work has been hectic , but will find time to do mirror-shopping in a day or two , else I may slip into depression ! And yours truly is not alone in this , my family cribs about it too. Have you all heard of the joke where two houseflies are identified as one male and other female ? The fly that perched itself on the beer bottle being a male and the other that buzzed in front of the mirror , the female . No longer does this hold ground. I love beer as much as the men in my life are obsessed with mirrors ! On a lighter note , ha ha ! And while on this , a few mirror-facts.

Mirrors and healing

This world would be a barren place without mirrors. While they are good for your vanity they are therapeutic too. Neuroscientists work with mirrors and they are used for certain kinds of healing , specially with phantom limbs attached onto amputated limbs. Its called mirror-therapy , invented by Vilayanur S Ramachandran , using mirror-boxes. Click on the two links , very informative.

Mirror therapy method

Mirrors and moods

I have noticed , in myself and in others that most often , we look into mirrors in happy , cheerful moods. Very rarely does the mirror attract grey moods , or perhaps once in a while , like in the movies when actors emote in front of mirrors , and that’s clearly a cinematic touch. We stop by , even if it’s a distant mirror in the airport or a hotel , to look into when upbeat , but give it a miss in lesser moods. Agree ? But your mirror can be your best friend and critic and its fine if you spend time every day looking at yourself. ( not letting it become an obsession though ) As Tennessee Williams puts it , “There comes a time when you look into the mirror and you realise that what you see is all that you will ever be. And then you accept it. Or you kill yourself. Or you stop looking in mirrors.”

Or improve on what you did not like , would be MY take.

Mirror self-recognition

I guess humans take to mirrors most naturally , it is said children usually develop mirror self-recognition at 24 months. But this world is full of differences and that is what makes it worthwhile. In countries like Fiji and Kenya , children failed to pass tests of mirror self-recognition even at six years of age and exhibited reactions of shock ! Not because they are genetically or psychologically different from the rest of us , but because of cultural differences , in the way mirrors are used or the importance placed on mirrors in those habitats.

Mirrors and animals

Well , many animals are observed to be indifferent to reflections in mirrors. Do pets pass the mirror self recognition test ? Those that have pets can tell , I don’t have one , so am unsure. Researchers have tried this experiment and its interesting. They marked a few elephants and gorillas on their faces and led them to mirrors. While elephants did exhibit self recognition in mirrors , they remained unperturbed by the marks and were observed to have walked away. However , repeated exposure of the marks to the pachyderms in the mirror finally led one elephant to try and touch the real mark on its forehead.

Pic courtesy : Psychology forA.com

But gorillas is another story. These animals are said to be easily embarrassed. On looking at their marked images , they were observed to scurry to a private place to rub away the marks they saw on themselves in the mirrors. Smart ones. Like us.

Image courtesy : Rebecca Turner

This marking method has revealed that other species could also be much more self-aware than we give them credit for. Most of them seem to be mammals – chimpanzees , orangutans , bonobos , gorillas , elephants , dolphins , killer whales and such. Yes , close to us.

True Mirrors

Keeping the most interesting to the last. What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror ? You think the mirror reverses your image , right ? Your left shows as the mirror image’s right ( because the mirror image is facing you ? ) and vice-versa. We told you mirror is the best illusionist. But wait , a true mirror concept was developed , where the user got to see their reflection as others would see them , again for reasons of vanity , to effectively apply makeup ! Try this and you will love it. Position two mirrors at 90º angle and look at yourself where the two mirrors join. Lift your right hand and your mirror image will lift its right hand too ! Lift your left hand and your mirror image will lift its left hand too ! Isn’t that how the world sees you ? I tried my hand at it and this is the best I could do at an available source.

True Mirror model

I remember , two-generations old grandmas chiding us when we looked into mirrors very often as little children. Their intentions were noble and it was the grand old days , but times have changed and how , we now live in a world of mirrors , powered by mirrors. I look forward to your mirror-experiences , share if you have any.

Foyer Tables – Ethnic foyer furniture

April 6, 2015April 9, 2015 / mythoughtlane / Leave a comment

Beautiful Foyer Idea from Mural Aura

Foyer furniture , entryway furniture has now got redefined and redesigned , from the basic utility furniture to designer furniture , ethnic and contemporary.

Mural art Foyer Table Mermaid image

Decorative foyer tables now have table tops that could be of glass , ceramic , stone or good old wood surfaces. With patterns carved , embossed , painted or printed to add colour , drama or a certain concept to the entryway.

Foyer décor is evolving. Most foyer furniture is placed strategically for enhancing the look of the entryway rather than for utility. Homes today have key-stands , hat-stands and mail-stands adorning different corners of the foyer , thereby making foyer furniture exclusive decorative pieces.

Multi is the keyword today. Multi-tasking , multi-purpose , multi-faceted are all words coined or conjoined in our century to describe the complex web of human activities , all jostling for time and attention. Space is becoming sparse and there is a pressing need to make the best of the available space. Furniture that was once exclusive to specific portions of huge houses also needed to get versatile and easily movable. Thus came in light-weight compact furniture into our lives and homes.

Look at these beautiful foyer tables from Mural Aura with Kerala mural art imprinted and encased , medium-sized so as to be movable. People today like to change the look of their rooms often and rearrange furniture to bring in freshness and variety.

Mural Aura Foyer Table with Aswamedha theme

Mural Aura foyer table Kathakali faces

Transform them into coffee tables for the living room , side tables for your bedroom or family room , foyer tables for the foyer or just about decorative pieces even for office spaces.

Foyer Table specifications

Material : Carved from MDF – medium density fibre-board and softwood , they are given a base protective coat and painted. The picture is encased within a 3 mm glass and secured by a fibre casing with adhesive , making it safe and sturdy. The picture within is a digital reprint on canvas , from a high-resolution scan of the original painting.

Dimensions : H – 18” , W – 15” , L – 24”

Price : Rs 6000 ( about 87.75 Euros )

The Foyer Tables can be customised , can contain an original hand painted mural for a corresponding price.

Great idea to buy a few foyer tables for a home. Move them around to change the decor of the rooms. Pair them , create a theme or just play around.

Mural Aura’s Foyer tables are versatile home-decor pieces.

The Artists

Mural Aura

#73 Venkatakrishna Road
Raja Annamalai Puram
Chennai – 600028

Tamil Nadu , India
Tel : +91 95000 44334 / +91 95000 55715

Buddy Stools – Home decor from Mural Aura

March 28, 2015January 17, 2016 / mythoughtlane / Leave a comment

Ethnic Stool Furniture for any room or every room

Bringing art into everyday life , the tagline says it all. Mural Aura home decor products carry a distinct style of the Kerala mural art , a rich tradition of painting dating back to the 9th century CE when the art was patronised by the royalty on walls of temples and palaces. Click here to read more about the beauty of the art form from my earlier post.

Mural Aura and many others from the current generation of artists have made access of this art form to the common man easier by making it affordable , in keeping with the times and preserving the art form at the same time. In the past , it was a privilege enjoyed by the royalty or the nobility only.

Buddy stools

Mural Aura seems to have redefined the meaning of buddy stools ! Buddy stools are no longer a synonym for seating stools , you can now place them anywhere in any of your rooms as side-tables , a companion to seaters , a buddy to the seaters ! Google buddy stools and find Mural Aura.

Mural Aura Buddy Stool with Ganesha in a turban

Simple sofa seaters with a buddy stool for demonstration.

Mural Aura Buddy Stool

The buddy stool in the picture above , and in the one below , carries an image that is the artist’s imagination in bringing together the male and the female energies by juxtaposing the two faces , the green for male and orange for female.

Mural Aura Buddy Stool , the male and female energies

Buying this in a pair makes sense – if the above picture is that of conjoining male and female energies , the following one illustrates the two images as two entities , yet complimenting each other. Kathakali faces with male and female attire. Kathakali is yet another traditional art form that originated in Kerala , this time a form of dance and the tenets laid down for the art allow for only male dancers. But just like every other art is subject to metamorphosis in the passage of time , so has this one and female dancers are gaining acceptance.

Mural Aura Buddy Stools with Kathakali faces

We now move a tad away from the typical Kerala mural art subjects and work on a folk theme , that of a Rajasthani woman , churning butter. Rajasthan is India’s largest state by area and borders the northwest part of the country.

Mural Aura Buddy Stool with Rajasthani folk theme

Buddy stools specifications

Material : Carved from MDF – medium density fibreboard and softwood , they are given a base protective coat and painted. The picture is encased within a 1 mm glass and secured by a fibre ring with adhesive , making it safe and sturdy. The picture within is a digital reprint on canvas , from a high resolution scan of the original painting.

Dimensions : 16″ in height & 12″ in diameter.

Price : Rs 2500 ( about 36 Euros )

The buddy stools can be customised , can contain an original handpainted mural for a corresponding price.

Great idea to buy a few buddy stools for a home. True to their nomenclature , move them around to change the decor of the rooms. Pair them , create a theme or just play around.

Mural Aura’s buddy stools are home-decor-buddies.

The Artists

Mural Aura

#73 Venkatakrishna Road
Raja Annamalai Puram
Chennai – 600028

Tamil Nadu , India
Tel : +91 95000 44334 / +91 95000 55715

Mural Art , Mural Aura – the beauty of Kerala

March 23, 2015March 30, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 2 Comments

God’s own country is how Kerala , the state at the southern tip ( south-west ) of India is referred to very often. It’s also called the land of temples and churches. Lapped in verdant surroundings , I guess the state of Kerala offers serenity , the much-needed attribute for spirituality. It’s also the land of colours if you go by the Kerala mural art , so typical of the state.

Kerala mural paintings are frescos that depict mythology and some legendary heroes of the bygone era. The art dates back to the 9^th – 12^th century CE , originating in the temples , churches and palaces of Kerala , sometimes being referred to as temple art too . Mural art was expensive , as you will see later , and hence the patrons of the art were predominantly kings.

Mural art by Mural Aura

Patronised by the royalty , the art most naturally found its roots in subjects connected to religion and spirituality. Art of that era had no place for conflicts and causes , unlike today. So , the walls of palaces and places of worship became the canvas for mural art. The common man , like you or me , was far removed from owning the murals then , due to their high cost … and we shall see why !

Creating murals was and is time-consuming and laborious. Small changes have been made to suit today’s times in the process of mural art ; we’ll get to that in a bit. Back in history , the artists were mandated to follow certain religious customs before taking up the painting and conform to them till completion , as the subject of the art was primarily the gods.

The Wall had to be prepared

The wall was first coated with an admixture of powdered limestone , sand and gallnut soaked in water. Upon drying , a second coat of limestone mixed with sand , this time a finer mix , was smeared..Not done yet , a third coat would follow , this time around , a medley of finely powdered limestone with tender coconut water. The latter was applied twenty-seven times in between the drying. The wall would then be left to dry completely for thirty days , after which the artist could take up his brush and palette.

The Brush

Just writing about it is tiring me out ! Its made of arrow grass. A bunch of arrow grass , tied and covered with banana leaf was cooked in buffalo milk. The finely cooked grass was then tied to the tips of bamboo sticks ( wonder how they handled cooked grass ). The tips of such a bunch of arrow grass were then shaped to form brushes . Whew !

The Colours

The medium for painting ( colours ) were pigments procured from natural sources. Just five colours called ‘panchavarna’ go into mural paintings even today , though the present generation of artists have resorted to acrylic colours , simply due to the astronomical costs of procuring natural extracts for the hues.

Yellow ocher and red ocher obtained from a type of mineral earth oxide , ‘Vettukallu’ , found mostly in North Kerala.
Green obtained from the leaves of a plant called ‘Indigofera’.
Blue obtained from the lazurite mineral ‘Katta Neelam’.
Black obtained from the lamp black , soot.
For white , the background is left untouched.

Mural art employs the science and psychology of colours in its choice to depict characters and moods.

Green and blue to denote purity or divinity.
Yellow and red for valour and passion and
Black for impurity and sin.

FYI : The above three traits are classified into three attributes , ‘gunas ’ as laid down by the Hindu scriptures in that order : Satvik , Rajasik and Tamasik.

The Process

The hallmark of a Kerala mural painting is the detailing and shading that go into it. Every square inch of the painting is painstakingly detailed by the artist , evident in the blending of the colours , the fine grading of the shades ( remember the five colours only ? ) , the intricate lines that define the curves of the characters in the painting and the light of play subtly brought out by the shading. All characters are curvaceous and well-proportioned. Some lines are created by joining tiny dots in close succession. I have been privy to this and its truly back-breaking !

Mural Art from Kerala is distinguished by its emphasis on and strict adherence to beauty , clarity and symmetry , not found in any other form of mural art around the world. Have you seen ‘evil’ made to look beautiful ? You can see it here in this art. Evil not glorified , but beautified in keeping with the essence of the art. A demon is also painted in as great a detail as a god ! The quality of being evil is portrayed in the act being painted , never in the demeanour of the character , maybe just a hint of it.

Proportion and pose are two other mandates for this type of mural art. Every part of the body of the characters in the painting must adhere to proportions laid down for the art. For instance , the neck is to be one-fourth of the face and so on. The same rule goes for depicting markets , animals , buildings etc.

So much hard work and so much time go into creating mural art even today. The artists of today have innovated and simplified it in various levels. Canvasses for the present crop of artists range from fabric to wood and the good old canvas. There are no more kings , there is not so much space. Some have embraced synthetic colours and brushes. The natural pigments do not have shelf life and there are no more makers of those arrow grass brushes !

‘Mural Aura’ , a family enterprise at Chennai has hugely popularized Kerala mural paintings in the city , elsewhere in India as well as countries abroad. Two women , a mother , Malathy Lakshman , the artist , her daughter , Chandra Lakshman and her father , Lakshman Kumar came together to showcase the beauty of the art in all its finery. Chandra is an actor and a designer who adds creative inputs to the enterprise.

Mural Aura coasters with Kathakali faces

Mural Aura foyer table with Aswamedha theme

Mural Aura buddy stools

Foyer tables , buddy stools , trays , coasters , lamp shades and wall hangings designed by Lakshman Kumar with stunning mural imagery are only a part of their product range.

Saree with Mural Aura‘s mural art

You want a hand-painted Krishna with a flute on your shirt ? Swan and peacock motifs on borders of a saree ? A mythological story on the pallu ? Mural Aura will love to do it all , merging art and fashion aesthetically. On silk and cotton only. Some of their customers not content with wearing the art on their bodies , spend time learning from them how to paint murals , so there goes training , another feather in their cap.

The Artists

Mural Aura

#73 Venkatakrishna Road
Raja Annamalai Puram
Chennai – 600028

Tamil Nadu , India
Tel : +91 95000 44334 / +91 95000 55715

Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot , others transform a yellow spot into the sun. – Pablo Picasso.

Mural Aura will transform the dullest of spaces into vibrant energy zones with their work. Respect for the creative trio !

Haute Arts – My Wall is My Story

March 19, 2015March 30, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 7 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Wall.”

The Significant Wall tells our story

A wall that tells the story of a business , their vision and their commitment to environment by Haute Arts.

Haute Arts Wall Mural

A work of art on the wall of a business-house , created and illustrated aesthetically and convincingly by the artistic couple-team Amrithaa and Subash for their client Vijay Associates in Chennai , India , who are builders of luxury apartments.

The story : Sun depicts prosperity , the tree of life stands for their commitment to ecology , the skyline in the background signifying growth and the stairs for achievement.

Amrithaa and Subash encourage local artisans , giving them a means of employment and empowerment. A great step in todays times when most commercial art is digitized and ‘synthetic’ is sought after for reasons of cost and time. I could say they are Chennai’s claim to originality and exclusivity in art – indoor and outdoor.

They are my dear , dear friends and it was sheer coincidence that I chanced upon their art from Haute Arts , just in time for the Daily Post’s prompt : Wall.

Zesty Bean and Almond , Peanuts and Corn

February 19, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 3 Comments

Salad in a jiffy

Green crunchy beans and almonds look yummy , but throw in the goodness of roasted peanuts and fresh corn kernels and you have a yummylicious salad. Snack on it or pair it with your favourite dish .

I am not a foodie per se , but can recognize health food miles away and Fitness being my mantra , I touch upon only those aspects of food that focus on beauty and fitness. Every ingredient of every dish has a zillion benefits and for that we have Big Daddy Google to list it all.

Rich and Yummy

Ingredients :

Beans – 100 gm , chop them to your preference

Roasted almonds – 10 to 12

Roasted peanuts – a handful

Corn kernels – 2 tablespoonful , fresh kernels best , but can make do with frozen ones

Olive oil – 1 teaspoonfuls

Salt – to taste

Lime juice – 1 teaspoonful.

Alter the proportions to suit your taste ( I use as less oil as possible )

Lets get started:

Place the chopped beans in a skillet and cover with cold water. Bring them to boil and let the beans simmer till they turn crisp-tender. Add the corn kernels and let simmer for another minute.

Heat one teaspoonful of olive oil , sauté the almonds and peanuts and then add the crunchy beans and corn.

Add salt and top it with lemon juice.

Serve it hot or cold. I prefer a cold salad.

You could add honey / bell peppers / seeds to make it more interesting. Anyone that loves to cook would agree that variations are innumerable and that’s what adds the zest and zing to cooking !

And it’s a good idea to store small quantities of nuts roasted , so they come in handy for a quick recipe.

Why this salad ?

Beans are the magic legumes , high in fiber and anti-oxidants and good for your waistline ! Yes , beans are comparable to meat , say registered nutritionists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Institute in Chicago. Yet , a cut in calories ! High on fiber and water content , they give you a feeling of fullness since they digest slowly , keeping you satisfied longer and added to that , low on sugar. See the magic ?

Almond is the new Power Food , nut lovers rejoice ! Nutrient –dense and delicious ! New research suggests it could help in shedding those extra kilos !

A handful of almonds and your LDL could be lowered. Almonds coupled with other nuts and seeds in general are known to improve blood lipid levels.

And that brings us to peanuts. They aid in all of the above and in addition contain high concentrations of antioxidant polyphenols. Peanuts and peanut butter come packed with nutrition and good protein , good fats , fiber and more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients that fit perfectly into a balanced diet. More news for weight watchers , peanuts help in keeping your metabolism at its best.

As much as nuts are a nutritionist’s delight and weight-watchers dream come true , moderation is the key ! Recommended daily servings are a handful of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter.

Ask me , I live by what I am writing here in this article ( in most others too ! ) and have reaped the benefits of nuts.

Corn , another rich source of antioxidants and fiber has its role to play in weight-watching.

I like to stick by simple , doable health recipes that don’t demand too much time and effort , for that’s the only way to keep a healthy diet going.

Happy munching !