Artisans of Sambhal

28.5904° N, 78.5718° E

“To hold a piece from Sambhal is to feel centuries of devotion — artistry shaped by hands that honor the past while creating beauty for today.”

In the craft-rich town of Sambhal, metal, resin, horn, bone, and mother-of-pearl transform from raw elements into works of quiet elegance. For generations, artisans here have shaped materials with instinctive precision, breathing life into trays, boxes, picture frames, cutlery, and decorative accents that reflect the deep cultural tapestry of northern India.

Sambhal’s artisans do not merely make objects — they preserve a lineage, offering the world pieces that carry the warmth of human touch and the heritage of their land.

Brass Craft: Stories Etched in Metal

For centuries, Sambhal has been known for brasswork refined under royal patronage. Techniques such as chasing and repoussé — delicate hammering that brings designs into relief — have been perfected through time, creating surfaces that shimmer with depth and intentionality.

Floral motifs, geometric borders, and patterns inspired by nature or Mughal architecture find new expression through the artisan’s tools. Each curve, each engraving, is a small act of devotion — a reminder that metal, when shaped by hand, becomes a vessel for storytelling.

Crafting Beauty in Resin, Horn, Bone & Mother-of-Pearl

Beyond brass, Sambhal is celebrated for its artistry in resin, horn, bone, and mother-of-pearl — materials that require both sensitivity and skill.

• Resin pieces are carefully cast, shaped, and polished to achieve smooth, sculptural silhouettes.
• Horn and bone are ethically sourced and meticulously cut, sanded, and assembled into patterns that echo the region’s natural and architectural inspirations.
• Mother-of-pearl, with its iridescent glow, is placed piece by piece to create delicate mosaics — a quiet dance of precision and design.

Each material holds its own character; each artisan reveals that character through patience and practiced hands.

Tradition in a Changing Landscape

Sambhal’s artisans stand at a crossroads. Machine-made goods and rapid production have challenged the sustainability of traditional craft. Economic hardships, limited raw materials, and diminishing interest among younger generations place pressure on a community that has long relied on time-honored processes.

Yet the artisans persist — not out of obligation, but out of reverence for their heritage. Their resilience shines through every creation, a testament to their belief that handmade work carries meaning that cannot be replicated by industry.

As global interest in authentic, sustainable, handcrafted décor grows, Sambhal’s artistry is finding renewed recognition — not as a relic of the past, but as a contemporary treasure.

A Future Carved by Hand

Each piece that emerges from Sambhal’s workshops reflects a delicate balance of tradition and innovation. While rooted in ancient techniques, today’s artisans embrace modern forms and palettes that speak to evolving tastes. Their ability to bridge past and present keeps the craft alive, relevant, and deeply meaningful.

Every tray, decorative accent, or mother-of-pearl box that enters a home carries more than material beauty — it carries a story of resilience, identity, and cultural continuity.

A Partnership with Purpose

At GAURI KOHLI, we are privileged to support the artisans of Sambhal by championing their craft and sharing their stories with a global audience. Through sustainable sourcing, fair partnerships, and mindful design, we help ensure that generations-old skills continue to thrive.

By bringing their handcrafted pieces into the world, we honor the artisans’ devotion — preserving a legacy of craft that deserves to be celebrated, cherished, and passed on.