With love, from Konkan

Mama collectible; (right) Mango Peti Magnet

Olee Maatee was started in 2018 with the aim of harnessing the talent of artisans based in the Devrukh region of Maharashtra. It was incubated in CREDAR (Centre For Rural Entrepreneurship, Development and Research), a trust started by Pune-based sculptor artist Bharati Pitre's in-laws, Vasant and Vimal Pitre.

"The objective was to create opportunities for craftspeople based in that region to hone their skills and create viable and sustainable opportunities for their growth without needing to migrate to the cities and letting go of their quality of life and social pleasures," Bharati tells us.

Bharati Pitre

When asked what it means, she says, Olee Maatee essentially refers to wet, mouldable and fertile soil. "We were attempting to encourage artisans from the Devrukh region in Konkan to create contemporary products. This is our ancestral place and the name circles back to our roots as well as the fact that every person has inherent capability and skills and what it takes to mould them and create beauty."

The founder says that Olee Maatee is a home décor brand from Maharashtra for the world, celebrating its roots with pride. "This region has so many facets which inspire us in our creative process - whether it is the forms of houses here, or the flora and fauna around us. Our aim is to proudly showcase where we come from while creating contemporary products with a global appeal. This is our sincere attempt of showcasing our region and the people to the global audience," says Bharati.

"There is so much around us to get inspired from. Our products thus have a strong sense of nostalgia and happy memories. The Konkan terracotta houses are a testimonial to the humble and purposeful architecture of coastal Maharashtra - simple houses with terracotta roofs and happy colours. The Amba peti is now a global symbol associated with our region. [With] the kingfishers and honeybees proudly perched on our dipping bowls, our hope is that we can combine forms inspired from this region with products that you and I can proudly own and use."

What: Olee Maatee
Where: https://oleemaatee.com/
For: Rs 550 onwards