Rooted in the reinterpretation of indigenous crafts into atypical sculptural and functional art, Vahe was founded by Vaishnavi Walvekar—an artist and formally trained Industrial Designer with an MFA from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Vāhe brings a distinctive voice that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression. The studio made its debut at Salone del Mobile in 2022. ​

 

Vahe’s signature medium of papier-mâché offers a contemporary take on an age-old craft finding new expressions with modern abstractions. Each piece is meticulously hand-sculpted in India using waste paper pulp and natural binders—honouring both material integrity and the environment. The works are synonymous with the craft’s sustainable and slow production. The recent Brass Ensemble [2024] marks a bold  departure from conventional welding practices by turning the process itself into a focal point—celebrating, rather than concealing, the welding slag through exposed checkered patterns across the sheet.

 

Since its debut, Vāhe has since been retailing on leading international platforms such as 1st Dibs, Movimento.Club, The Artling, and most recently, Atrum in Saudi Arabia. ​

 

Mediums: Papier-mâché, brass, and manjarpat.