Traditional Craftsmanship

Traditional craftsmanship represents the knowledge and manual skill with which a master artisan creates an object of great aesthetic beauty, artistry and utility. Very often that individual has received their knowledge and skill from a family member or a close mentor during an extended period of learning and training, as part of a traditional master-to-apprentice transmission established over consecutive generations.

Transmission of knowledge and skills takes place within a workshop or worksite environment. Apprentices learn through verbal instruction and by watching and copying their master’s practice. An individual artisan may pass through various stages of skills, development, marked and recognized by ceremonial events attended by senior members and masters of the tradition.

Craftsmanship has historically been nurtured within wider social networks, prevalent and often powerful across the globe at various points in history, and operating according to institutional systems and rituals designed to bring artisans together within formal hierarchical structures – guilds, ateliers, workshops and bazaars – supported by the greatest patrons and commercial markets in history.

Saray Design strives to keep these precious art and craft traditions alive and to encourage the patrons of today to reach out and use these great masters and workshops in their projects.