Akanksha Rathore | GIZMODO.cz

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We’ve seen quite a few minimalist toys designed for children on the lathe. Honestly, the lathe machine presents itself not just as a manufacturing technique, but also a visual challenge, and it’s fun to see how designers use this constraint of ‘revolved forms’ to bring out different characteristics in their designs.

The Tot Toys series by Akanksha Rathore come with 13 animals and a book containing the Jataka tales, famous Indian folklore comparable to Aesop’s fables. Each animal has a role to play in the different stories and alongside building the animals from the different wood-spun parts included in the set, the children get to play out their favorite tales using these wonderful toys!

Designer: Akanksha Rathore

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In the world of fast food and doorstep deliveries, we lose out on some of the small beautiful things. My house now has more plastic spoons than actual cutlery, which seems a little sad. Gone are the days of ornate silverware, that became heirlooms after fulfilling their purpose. The days of handcrafted cutlery are, sadly, a thing of the past. Designers Akanksha Rathore & Shreelekha Lakshmipathy realized that there may still be hope.

Dhatu means element in Sanskrit, and is used also as a synonym for metal. The Dhatu collection of cutlery features a range of handmade brassware by the craftsmen of Reha, a small but culturally rich village in Gujarat, India. The design opts for a more indigenous approach, rather than an ornate one, giving the cutlery a beautiful antique charm; and with the use of Brass, it just adds to the magic.

Designers: Akanksha Rathore & Shreelekha Lakshmipathy.

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