The right luxury tableware transcends an ordinary meet-up into an extraordinary occasion. The finely crafted silverware, the hand-painted porcelain, the bespoke cups, and the heirloom pieces of culinary heritage that our grandmothers and mothers have held closer to their hearts are not just functional elements but timeless pieces that embody a legacy of artistry. They are meant for momentous occasions for a reason. And how they transform the vibe of the table and turn every meal special is truly incredible. If you, too, have that eye for timeless design and exceptional quality and wish to adorn the tables of your home with luxurious pieces, let Kaunteya get the conversations flowing.
Wrapped in Indian art, culture, and mythology, this home-grown premium tableware brand, with its unique set of dinner sets, elegant tea-sets, and designer platters, is a new kind of artistic canvas. The founder and CEO, Sonal Jetha, tells us that at Kaunteya, every collection takes an entire year from concept to completion, ensuring the finest detail, craftsmanship, and authenticity in each piece. She exuberantly shares, “Our art is so beautiful, so precious, and yet rarely presented in a form that people can use and interact with every day. That’s why we chose tableware, functional, part of daily life, and elevated it into something extraordinary. No one had brought traditional Indian art forms to tableware in this way before, and we wanted to change that.”
A Celebration of Indian Art and Her Roots
Jetha doesn't have a formal background in art, but her connection with it runs deep. Since childhood, she was drawn to Indian art forms and loved visiting fairs, meeting artisans, and watching them work. So when the time came to wear the hat of an entrepreneur and start Kaunteya, she knew it had to be rooted in the art she had admired all her life.
“We’ve showcased some of the most treasured traditional art forms so far, Phad painting from Rajasthan, Pichwai art from Nathdwara, Pattachitra from Odisha, Miniature painting, Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, and intricate inlay techniques, each with its cultural legacy. Sharing these delicate pieces with the world fills me with immense pride. When a customer in London, Dubai, or New York sets a table with our Pichwai plates or Byah platters, they’re not just using tableware; they’re showcasing a part of India’s heritage into their home. That’s incredibly special,” says Sonal.
Exquisite Craftsmanship at its Best
How do these beautiful, intricate traditional motifs make it to the functional luxury products offered by the brand? Sonal explains that it is not an easy journey. Every curve, every angle has to be accounted for so that the artwork looks perfect from all sides. Once the designs are silk-screen printed onto fine bone china, each piece is hand-decorated and detailed with 24k gold before being fired three times for durability and brilliance.
As far as collaborations with artisans are concerned, the brand makes it a point to work with artists who specialise in authentic, traditional techniques. For example, for their Shakti series, they collaborated with the celebrated artist Varsha Kharatmal.
Inlay Work on your Platter
The cheese and cake platters featuring intricate inlay work stand out for expertise, creativity, and high-quality workmanship. Jetha says, "When I first saw inlay work as a child visiting the Taj Mahal, I can still remember that moment vividly. The way light passed through those delicate stone designs felt almost magical, as if the monument itself was breathing. It was not just craft; it was poetry in stone. Sadly, it is an art form that is fading away. When we started Kaunteya, I knew I wanted to bring that same sense of wonder and intricate karigari into our work. I wanted to preserve it as more than just a memory and to give it a place in the modern home. Translating something so timeless into functional pieces felt like the perfect way to keep its beauty alive for generations."
Indian Craftsmanship on the Global Map
Sonal believes that Indian craftsmanship has always had a place in the global market. "Look at the exports from states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in home décor and tableware. We work closely with these artisans, our trays are painted by traditional artists, and our kansa is made by artisans in Odisha and Gujarat. At Kaunteya, we see ourselves as custodians, helping conserve and revive these legacies. Interestingly, we didn’t start by researching the luxury market. Our focus was simply to present Indian art forms in their most authentic way. We stayed true to that, and it naturally aligned with the luxury space. The craftsmanship, the materials, the gold detailing, it all resonated with that audience," she says.
"For many, owning a Kaunteya piece is a way to bring a part of India’s heritage into their homes, no matter where in the world they are. This is why our top markets include the USA, Singapore, the Middle East, Australia, the UK, and of course, India," she adds.
Responsible Luxury and Sustainability
We believe in a brand more when its heart is in the right place. So, is Kaunteya committed to responsible luxury?
"It is central to what we do. Every product is made in close collaboration with skilled artisans, many of whom carry forward techniques that have been passed down for generations. Our kansa is completely handmade and hand-beaten, preserving a tradition that was once a part of every Indian home but has gradually been forgotten over time. By reintroducing it, we are not only keeping the art form alive but also sustaining the livelihoods of the artisans who practice it. We also strongly believe in creating responsibly and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved in our process. All our practices are environment-friendly, and we make sure that no one under the age of 18 is involved at any stage of production. We regularly visit our makers to ensure their working conditions are safe, fair, and dignified. Our products also adhere to stringent international food safety standards, including California Proposition 65 approval," assures Sonal Jetha.
Kaunteya, The Name
Every name has a story. Kaunteya, too, has one and comes from the personal space of the founder. While the name comes from the Mahabharata, where the sons of Kunti are called Kaunteya, it’s also a tribute to both of Sonal’s mothers, who share the name “Kanta.”
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