At Ocher Studio, our foundation lies in the mud-rich villages of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, where craft is not just tradition, but a way of life. Our journey began with a desire to highlight this living heritage, and today, our work travels far beyond its origins, reaching individuals, exhibitions, and institutions across the globe.
We never imagined that handcrafted pieces from our humble studio would one day be showcased in international expos, featured in craft platforms like Etsy, or cherished in homes from Dubai to Canada. But through collaboration, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Ocher has quietly become a cultural bridge between Bastar and the world.
Hong Kong Expo: Dhokra Meets Design
Our collaboration with Shetha Dhara, an Indian creative based in Hong Kong, marked a turning point. Together, we introduced a jewellery line that brought Bastar’s ancient Dhokra technique into a modern design dialogue, blending handcrafted brass with semi-precious stones to create statement pieces for international audiences.
All products were designed and developed in Bastar, and showcased at the Hong Kong Expo, where they resonated deeply with a global audience. Since then, we’ve continued working with Dhara on curated collections, from Diwali specials to occasion-based launches, extending Bastar’s craft voice into new markets.
We’ve now been active on Etsy for over five years, a platform that has connected us with craft lovers, collectors, and design-led buyers across the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US.
These aren’t just sales; they’re conversations. People reach out with personal stories, about how a brass artefact reminded them of a childhood home, or how our block-printed scarves became meaningful gifts for loved ones. Through Etsy, we’ve built a community that values slow design, cultural integrity, and meaningful ownership.
Dubai 2023: Two Stores, One Culture
In 2023, we were proud to be part of Dubai’s Global Village, one of the world’s largest multicultural festivals, with two dedicated stores: one for our handcrafted artefacts and the other for our textile and apparel collection.
This was more than a commercial milestone. It was an opportunity to share Bastar’s design language with a truly global audience, including visitors from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Europe. Many customers we met there remain in touch, continuing to support our work online and spreading our story across borders.
Among our most engaged supporters are Non-Resident Indians, who often describe our work as a bridge to their roots. A single brass bull or a handcrafted block-printed blazer more than, it becomes a symbol of identity.
We regularly hear how our pieces evoke memories of family rituals, ancestral homes, and festivals from childhood. This emotional connection is deeply important to us, it affirms that craft is not just cultural heritage; it’s emotional heritage.
Through our association with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, we’ve had the privilege of representing Bastar’s legacy at a wider diplomatic level. Our products have reached Indian embassies, cultural missions, and craft-led platforms across the world, allowing us to contribute to India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy in a meaningful way.
Read more about our ODOP journey here .........
Photo of Dubai store - 2023
A Global Presence, Rooted in a Local Studio
While our work is now shipped and displayed across continents, we remain deeply connected to our origins. Our website and Instagram page allow us to interact with a diverse audience, from returning customers to curious explorers, from seasoned collectors to first-time craft enthusiasts.
Today, Ocher Studio is not just a brand; it’s a platform for storytelling, preservation, and design-driven innovation, grounded in Bastar’s soil, but with a voice that speaks to the world.
We started with a simple goal: to make Bastar’s story heard. Every collaboration, every international order, and every kind message from a customer reminds us why that mission matters.
As we grow, we carry forward not just the aesthetics of Indian craft, but its soul, sincerity, and timelessness.
