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The Bhagwad Gita message autographed by Mahatma Gandhi
The proud possession &
Foundation of Existence of the Touch of Class
Touch of Class is inspired by
India's beautiful rich culture and tradition that brings the
royal touch to our everyday life. Although, many things are lost
in modern life, we still cherish our cultural rituals and
tradition whenever possible. Let it be a celebration of one's
birth or marriage or be it a tea party or a social business
meeting, we take opportunity to represent our great tradition of
attire, rituals and bring it to the 'class' that we still
believe is best above all modern availabilities.
Art in everyday life was gift of the India to the world.
Starting from mural walls of a makeshift home to a place of
worship, all were made with remarkable understanding of utility
while adopting the finest class of art that still wonders the
world. Let it be the art of ventilation & natural light or
variety of food or adoring ones personal appearance with
jewellery and costume, India set the milestones that dates back
to at least 5000 years. No wonder that world's largest and most
advanced Roman empire set trade with the ancient India
irrespective the distance it needed to travel. Indian continent
is believed to be the birthplace of art in architecture,
farming, textile, food, jewellery, literature and medicine
besides fine murals and metallurgy. It remained center of trade
to the Romans, the Mongolians, Mughal of the Persia and as far
as to the Mayans for over 4500 years till a new world order took
place during 16th century. It is obvious that Europeans,
Persians tried to control this land for long as it was so
advanced and full of glory achieving a state of art beyond
everyday life. Political and bloody wars between various
factions of rulers with each other and with foreign invaders
spanned from the beginning of the 16th century continued till
middle of 20th century bringing Independent Indian Republic.
This era changed priorities of Indian life where trade was taken
over by loot and patronage by slavery. Despite such extreme
hostile atmosphere, art remained at its lowest yet survived
finding some patronage and admirers within invaders and local
rulers. These testing times proved the mastery and
sustainability of Indian soil that gave birth to numerous art
forms irrespective its divide with religion, culture and rule.
'Soul' that used to be deeply incorporated in
each object made by the artisans who seldom known to this world. Creativity
with great details and uniqueness of each individual artisan
was far superior than today's well trained ones, yet made easily accessible
and affordable to all. In golden era of India, patronized by Rajah's and Royalties,
art took new dimensions and found a place to celebrate one's creativity and
dedication. Each piece of object became a class of its own. Progressing with
time, adding dimensions and colors, the essence of creativity and art
remained same.
With passage of time many things changed
disconnecting its past and in search of future. Those painstakingly hand-made
artefacts, paintings, crafts, jewellery or textiles are being replaced by machine made
variants those appear
rather similar but without the 'soul'. Today it is becoming very difficult to find
artisans who still have the 'soul' to incorporate and dedicate in every
object. Race towards the 'material world' and 'competition within' making it
exceptional than ever. Never than before it is essential to patronise these
artisans or it will become 'History' in no time. Art and Culture
is inheritance that identify each of us to our roots. In the 'new flat
world' of global boundaries, it is more appropriate to define our roots and
cherish them with others erasing those thin line of origin yet celebrating
with pride. It is responsibility rather than necessity that each individual
take their share in revival of ART, let it be the Indian or from anywhere in the
world.
Touch of Class is established with the very reason to promote and cherish
the ancient Indian art that flourished since the human race recognized
the beauty of nature. With this aim we are presenting our series of Paithani
Art (Sarees, Fabric, Costumes and Decorative Furnishing) and Maratha Art & Collectibles. Each piece presented here is made
with the protocol that was followed thousands of years ago with the 'soul' and
'dedication' by our artisans who inherited this art from generations within
their family. Some of them are not necessarily trained by modern techniques but
yet possess the finest qualities of maker that can not be matched unless
decades of hard work and experience put together.
One may wonder why we choose Paithani Art over other Arts of the India.
Indeed the tremendous facets of Indian Art amuse us to choose upon but our
cultural ties and affection with Maharashtra makes it natural for us. We
lived and loved this countryside for over seven generations and are
fortunate to inherit some of finest collection of artefacts and textile from
the region. Having associated with many Princely State rulers and royalties,
it was rather straight forward to embark on this path. We are also fortunate
to receive blessings and continuous support from top Indian Corporate
Industrialist and Individuals around the world.
Our reasons of
existence is to bring you
the finest quality of Paithani art made with the heart and soul that will fill
joy, comfort and richness to everyone. It is our sincere effort to
re-establish the great quality of art for those who adore, respect and
cherish Indian culture & tradition. We believe that each Touch of Class
Paithani will create the legacy and become a heirloom for generations.
There is no better person than mother and no better inheritance than
Mother's Paithani.
: Inspiration :
This miniature painting
by Rashmi Tapadia forms core philosophy of Touch of Class. It
portrays a Royal woman performing religious rituals while holding her child
close to heart. It depicts a royal touch in her attire, love of mother and
devotion to religion, culture and tradition being the pillar of a family.
Touch
of Class brings
you a great legacy of Culture, Tradition and Love that cannot expressed in a
more beautiful and profound manner.
Thanking you, |
