Founder's vision

Ananya Birla

I started Ikai Asai with a simple belief that Indian craft deserves a larger place in the contemporary conversations. After all, craft is more than mere nostalgia, it is a part of our lived experience, in its many forms as timeless, living traditions. For many years now, we have worked closely with Indian artisan communities to create beautifully made, yet functional products to elevate contemporary spaces. We did so by bringing together the trifecta of thoughtful design, strong material intelligence, and a modern, global aesthetic.

As we’ve grown over the years, something became very clear to me: Ikai Asai can be, and is, more than product. So today, we’re expanding to become a broader editorial-led, cultural and creative platform that is anchored in authenticity.

Simply put, Ikai Asai means a desire – an aspiration for living well.

Our ambition is for Ikai Asai to become a platform that seeks to shape ideas, foster collaboration, and present India’s art, craft, culture and design story to the world while curating global narratives through a thoughtful, contemporary lens. We hope to create a community rooted in a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and cultural expression, which inspires meaningful connections across disciplines.

I welcome you to this new chapter of Ikai Asai - one that honours tradition, embraces innovation, and builds something sustainable, meaningful, and globally resonant.