Pepper Grinder by Built Editions

These Spice Grinders are hand-crafted by artisans in Channapatna using a century-old woodturning technique and natural lacquer applications. To fill your grinder with pepper corns or coarse salt, simply pull the egg from its base to open the container. 

Due to the natural character of the materials, please adhere to the following instructions to maintaining your grinder in the best condition:

Wood may undergo slight expansion or contraction under varying conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to keep it away from direct sunlight and avoid exposure to
high temperatures, humidity and extreme temperature fluctuations. It is best to place your grinder in normal living room or kitchen conditions.

Moisture can cause the wood to swell, potentially damaging the lacquer. Prevent contact with water or moisture at any time, including on damp countertops. Cleaning is best done by simply wiping the grinder with a dry, clean cloth.

Social Enterprise
The Spice Grinders are crafted by artisans from Fairkraft Creations in Channapatna, a town known for their toy-making craftsmanship. The workshop is an artisan owned and managed company that is part of the ArtisanPride Producer Company. They work to sustain the traditional crafts of lacware by providing educational programs specifically catered to women in the town, and offer fair pay and part-time employment possibilities. The company facilitates employment to physically impaired people and provides healthcare and social security to all their artisans.

Wood harvesting
The Spice Grinders are made of Hale wood (Wrightia Tinctoria), a local and fast-growing tree widespread in southern India. The wood is harvested from non-forest
and non-agricultural land around Channapatna. The trees are not felled which allows them to grow back. Hale wood is soft and fine-grained, making it most suitable for woodturning and lac applications. No chemical treatments are needed to season the wood. The artisans are trained in using all sections of the wood to prevent waistage, including the sawdust that is used in the incense making industry.

Natural and non-toxic lac
The shiny finish of the Spice Grinders is obtained by the application of lac, a non-toxic, natural resin, that is the secretion of the insect Laccifer Lacca. It is found on specific trees and used by lacware artisans since ancient times. The lacs are coloured with natural dyes, extracted from plants such as turmeric, indigo, kumkum, Manjishta (natural Alizarin), Catechu, and the bark of the Ratanjyoth trees.

Designed by Built Editions in Mumbai, Made in Channapatna, India.

Sold individually.

21cm High.