Mohammed Afnan and Arun Shekar’s Humming Tree has designed a limited-edition collection of terracotta tableware called Revelations that is inspired by, and promotes equality and acceptance for, the LGBTQ community. Cups, plates, tumblers and cake pedestals featuring a unique dent with rainbow colours that complement the natural clay have been crafted by artisans from Kerala. The pottery process followed by terracotta firing results in some unusual flaws, unexpected patterns, tonal mixes, and ensures that no two products turn out the same. This forms the perfect metaphor for the brand’s intended message—that we are all ‘imperfectly perfect’ and inherently unique, and must learn to embrace it.

“The idea of using the terracotta material and imposing the abstract pride pattern was to break free from the traditional norms and create artworks that become conversation starters. Taking the base idea of the pride flag/pride parade we infused our own modernist, fresh take on colours i.e. deep pantones—from mustard yellow to deep red. The concept was to have the colours blend together, where they meet and scream we are here to stay,” said Afnan and Shekar.

Apart from celebrating diversity, the collection features keen attention to tactile elements, with the inclusion of various textures and colours to generate a perfect amalgamation of the past and present.

As consumers have once again begun to show an appreciation for handmade, sensitive products, Humming Tree hopes that the trend will gain momentum and spread to the masses as well. “We hope that the project can be adapted to engage a larger audience and the local market. Our fingers are crossed in the hope that we will be spreading more love, and longer nights of camaraderie over food, when Revelations goes into mass production,” they said.