Crafted narratives: NS Product’s artistic fusion of tradition and modernity

In the heart of the Caucasus mountains, where the rugged peaks meet gentle slopes, lies the ancient land of Georgia. Here amidst the rolling vineyards and centuries-old churches, history intertwines with beauty. It is in this timeless landscape that Tbilisi-based NS Product finds its inspiration, drawing upon the rich heritage of Georgian historical structures to craft a collection that pays homage to the country’s storied past. From the soaring arches of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral to the intricate carvings of Tbilisi’s Old Town, Georgian architecture whispers tales of bygone eras, each stone a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of generations past. It is within this tapestry of history that the studio finds its muse, infusing each furniture design with echoes of the past while embracing the promise of the future.

Established in 2013, NS Studio’s journey began with a humble focus on small architectural projects, gradually evolving to encompass the world of furniture and product design with NS Product. With their focus being on craftsmanship and innovation, the product designers present two distinct collections, the first is their debut collection, Take a Seat, we are Starting, a tribute to Georgian heritage and their latest collection is the Love NS, a poignant exploration of human emotion through design. As the studio embarks on this dual narrative, each collection serves as a testament to the intertwining of tradition and modernity, form and feeling. “As designers, we strive to capture the essence of Georgian heritage and human emotion in every piece we create, weaving a narrative that transcends time and resonates with the soul”, says the lead designers at NS Product.

At the heart of the studio’s creative process lies a deep reverence for Georgian historical structures, whose architectural splendour serves as a wellspring of inspiration for their furniture designs. Drawing upon the graceful lines and intricate details of these ancient monuments, the furniture designers craft pieces that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, creating a collection that resonates with timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The centrepiece of the Take a Seat collection is the “An '' chair, a study in contrasts that effortlessly blends rigidity with fluidity. Crafted from a harmonious blend of natural wood, metal accents and fabric covers, the chair design transcends its utilitarian function to become a sculptural piece, adding a touch of intrigue to any space. Its counterpart is the “San” chair, which stands as a testament to the studio’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design. With its towering presence and intricate metal belt backrest, the chair commands attention, inviting viewers to experience the essence of Georgian architectural grandeur in a contemporary design context.

Complementing the chairs is the Rae dining table, where substantial oak legs are joined by cylinder-shaped stainless-steel pipes, echoing the curvilinear profile of the chairs. Topped with transparent glass, the table design exudes a sense of lightness and refinement, adding a touch of modern elegance to any dining space. Similarly, under the same title, the Rae long chair, with its decorative clay coating embodies the seamless fusion of form and function, inviting you to indulge in moments of relaxation and contemplation making it a nice addition to your outdoor furniture.

As we tread further within the collection, we come across the whimsical allure of the SKIRA curtain, born from the studio’s exploration on creative space separators. Made from recycled pressed paper and accented with ornamental metal pieces, the curtain serves as both a decorative element and a functional backdrop, adding depth and character to any interior setting. Meanwhile the Gobi house accent, with its raw, unrefined texture and circular silhouette, become a focal point in interior design styling, transforming any space into a place of calm and elegance. In the world of design where beauty often meets utility, NS Product treads the line between artistic expression and practicality, creating pieces that are visually captivating as they are functional. It is this delicate interplay between form and function that sets the studio apart, elevating their creations from mere objects to works of art in their own right.

In addition to their celebration of Georgian heritage, the designers invite viewers on another journey through the intricacies of human emotion with their latest Love NS collection. Inspired by the ebbs and flows of real relationships, this collection traces the evolution of love through five distinct episodes, each captured in a tableau of textiles, patterns and forms. From the tentative excitement of initial attraction to the enduring embrace of true love, the collection is an immersive experience in a narrative of passion, vulnerability and ultimately connection.

This collection explores the intricacies of human emotion through a series of evocative installations. The five stages of a relationship are expressed chronologically in five episodes. In the first episode, “Does he like me? Does he like me not?”vibrant daisies symbolise the uncertainty and anticipation of a budding romance. The colourful natural textiles emphasise the simplicity and beauty of this episode and it’s subtext. In the second episode, paper planes take flight, capturing the exhilarating rush of newfound connection.

In the third episode titled Through the Mist, symbolism intertwines with complexities of real relationships. Like the uncertainty of mist, this phase is hazy, yet ripe with potential for growth. Two textured chairs, separated by natural, rugged materials symbolise the barriers that often arise between partners. Set against a dark backdrop, the installation evokes the intensity of this journey. As the narrative unfolds, past difficulties morph into cherished memories, serving as reminders of resilience and strength. No longer consumed by uncertainty, partners embark on a new phase of their journey with renewed vigour. In the fourth episode, the chairs are now adorned in colours reminiscent of the sky and sun, symbolic of unity and progress as they move forward together towards the unknown, yet promising horizon.

At the heart of the Love NS collection lies the Kissing Chair, a symbolic ode to the power of genuine connection. By combining two San chairs from their inaugural collection, the furniture designers create a shape that embodies the unifying force of love. Themed in vibrant red, the chair is a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty in life, love endures as a beacon of hope and solace.

In the culmination of their creative endeavours, NS Product's two distinct collections weave together threads of tradition and modernity, form and feeling. Through intricate designs that pay homage to heritage and evoke complexities of human relationships, the studio invites us to ponder the intersections of art, history and emotion. Reflecting on this journey, it becomes apparent that beauty lies not only in the eye of the beholder but also in the depths of the stories told through design by the studio.