Æquo is the brainchild of founder Tarini Jindal Handa and creative director Florence Louisy, who met in Paris in 2019 and discussed the lack of spaces dedicated to collectible design in India. At its core, the gallery aims to connect global creatives with the country's craft heritage to develop new perspectives and unique design languages.

The word æquō is derived from equal in Latin, and the masterpieces created in partnership with the gallery give weight to both designer and technique. Identifying and celebrating the best Indian craftsmanship, who might previously have been unknown, is a key ambition of the programme. In this grand design adventure, æquo creates contemporary objects that pay respect to tradition – the antiques of the future.

Our gallery is dedicated to advancing the future of craftsmanship by providing artisans with a global platform that amplifies their work. These collaborations often push processes beyond traditional confines, resulting in extraordinary and innovative outcomes. By showcasing their techniques and storytelling across borders, Æquo introduces their artistry to new audiences and inspires other designers to reinterpret these techniques in their own unique ways.

The evolution of crafts has historically been shaped by travel and the movement of objects, which sparked new interpretations and innovations. By continuing this tradition, Æquo ensures that these crafts remain dynamic and relevant, supporting their preservation and growth. Our approach is rooted in respect for the craft, with each workshop bringing its unique heritage and skill set to the table.

We deliberately seek out workshops that embody both tradition and innovation, ensuring that our designs are executed with a level of precision and authenticity that reflects the essence of Indian craftsmanship. Æquo’s role is to act as a bridge between these ancient practices and contemporary design principles. By engaging with artisans early in the design process, we ensure that each piece is not only aesthetically compelling but also technically sound. This collaborative dialogue allows us to explore new techniques and materials, often leading to groundbreaking results that neither party could have achieved alone. These workshops are co-creators in our vision. Our partnership is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. The artisans' deep understanding of materials and processes informs our designs, while our modern sensibilities challenge them to reinterpret traditional methods. This dynamic relationship fosters an environment where creativity thrives, resulting in furniture pieces that are both culturally significant and artistically innovative.With this concept, we all engage in a continuous exchange of knowledge and creativity, where giving and receiving become integral to our process. Each interaction enriches our understanding and broadens our perspectives, allowing us to collectively push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of contemporary collectible furniture.

Ultimately, cultural heritage belongs to each one of us and is common to all. It is through the strengthening of ties and the exchange of ideas across borders that we contribute to a collective narrative, ensuring that the legacies of the past continue to inspire and inform future generations. By intertwining our designs with the living traditions of Indian artisans, Æquo is not just creating furniture but also weaving together the threads of history, culture, and innovation into a unified, forward-looking expression of global creativity.

Text by Florence Louisy