12 December,2009 08:13 AM IST | | Soma Das
Recycled wine bottles and broken shards of glass turn into quirky artefacts that make interesting Christmas gifts. The GUIDE introduces you to Cyjay Stained Glass
That red, red wine from last night's revelry with friends might have brushed in an ideal shade of blush to your party, but what do you do with crates of empty bottles but haul them to a raddiwalla? Allow Jaishree Karani and Cyrus Jassawalla to take the load off.
The duo behind Cyjay Stained Glass operate out of a tiny studio in Parel to transform once plump bottles into quirky flat platters that can hold small eats and refreshments.
Self-Taught Artist
Jassawalla kick-started his career as an aeronautical engineer, went on to set up a fast food restaurant but returned to his first love, stained glass.
The art dates back to the third millennium BC, practiced widely in Egypt with traces in Middle East and Europe, where it is used extensively in churches.
The stained glass panels at Jassawalla's home required renovation and when he failed to find an expert, he became one himself. He familiarised himself with the art by reading, and watching demonstration videos.
After spending 16 years in Spain, artist Jaishree Karani returned to Mumbai, and met Jassawalla.
Having worked extensively on stained glass panels in Spanish edifices, she decided to set up Cyjay Stained Glass with him in 1991, with the aim to custom-make stained glass products.
"We'd rather work on a personal order than create mass products. The latter takes away the originality and charm of the art," says Jassawalla.
To order call 9820135462 / 9920989402 or log on to: www.cyjay-stainedglass.com
Platters, lamps, chandeliers, candle holders, suncatchers
These products are created from disparate pieces of glass that are fused together.
The platters are sprinkled with granules of vibrantly scrunched glass and the combination is then heated to give it a unique texture. The multi-purpose plates can be used to serve small eats.
The duo also make floor lamps and hanging ones with Buddha, birds and bees as well as abstract art embellishing them.
Price: Platters at Rs 2,500 onwards, candle holders at Rs 650 onwards, lamps at Rs 1,500 onwards, suncatchers at Rs 350 onwards.
Your girlfriend's Portrait on stained glass
Is there a birthday lurking around the corner? Get your girlfriend's portrait outlined on a lamp, or a platter. Once you provide the photograph, the etching on glass is done with the help of metal oxides.
Price: Rs 9,000 per sq ft.
Wine Bottle Platter
Name the duo behind cyjay stained glass
Send in your answer to this question to theguide@mid-day.com with your full name and contact number.
Winners will be picked through a random draw and contacted on phone
Though these look delicate, with proper care, they can last for centuries. stained glass murals in Cathedrals all over the world are examples of its sturdiness u2013 Jaishree Karani
