Antiques-All the way from Chettinad

After a much enthusiastic discussion in the Bangalore Craft Lovers group on FB, I had to post this...

For all the craft/art/antique/decor enthusiasts out there. These vessels and many more such authentic antiques(furnitures, mirrors,tables etc) are sold by a lady called Saradha. She hails from Chettinad and goes around collecting these things from various places in Tamilnadu. She doesn't have a store anywhere and the sale is only through such melas and fairs.

My clicks are from the Kalamadhyam Mela, held at ChitraKala Parishat-Bangalore.

Antique Ceramic ware

Flower Basket..love the miniature

Idli cooker

Worth their weight in...well Brass!!

Spice Dibbis

Look at those name inscriptions

If you look at the utensils and dabbas from our mom's and grandmom's collection, you will find names inscribed on them...very discreet, yet obvious. There were mainly 2 reasons for it-one is that this would help in dividing their stuff equally among their children. Yes...the inscription was done exactly when it was bought from the store or from the vendor who came home every month.

Secondly, when they sent the vessel/dibbi to their neighbour/friend with goodies in it, the inscription helps in discriminating their vessels from the others..thereby gently reminding the friend/neighbour to return it. Intelligent eh?

There were a lot more stuff at the stall..but I just managed to click the utensils and vessels. More captures next time.

Hotel De L'Orient - An Indo French boutique hotel

Whenever we are in Pondicherry, we love to stay at one of those cute, homely hotels or homestays that line the French streets.

During one of the recent trips, we discovered this little gem in the quaint white town area of Pondicherry town.

Hotel De L'Orient by Neemrana

Simple entrance

Wooden caretaker @the reception gave us a warm welcome!

Love love love this...Wooden box used for the mini kettle and other stuff.

Viewing the moon from the cute li'l balcony.

Room Decor. So cozy and warm.

The Neemrana Store

Lovely paper coasters

The romantic bath...I so loved the gradient effect on the walls.

Umbrellas!!!!

Neemrana refers to their properties as Non Hotel Hotels...which is true to the core.

This beautiful hotel was an 18th century colonial mansion in the French Town area of Pondicherry. 

Each room is named after former French colonies in British India - Calicut, Karaikal, Surate,Balassore, Kasim Bazaar, Mahe,Cannanore(The one featured here) etc.

Check out their other properties here - Neemrana

Each and every one looks so beautiful and tempting. I am eyeing these to name a few - The Bungalow on The Beach @ Tranquebar, The Pataudi Palace, Glass House on the Ganges and The Gate House.

Disclaimer  - The views expressed in the post are purely personal and is not sponsored or requested by the company/brand.