Our Story

"Collecting is a true mania (that is) instantly understood by every other collector and almost incomprehensible to the uncontaminated." - Louis Auchincloss

I have always been drawn to objects that make you pause and wonder about the lives they've lived, the hands that shaped them and the traditions they carry. What began as a personal passion for collecting gradually grew into The Blue Trunk, a journey to discover and bring together objects that reflect India's diverse cultural traditions.

I'm Ujval Anand, founder and curator of The Blue Trunk. My journey has taken me beyond familiar destinations into small towns, quiet villages and places where traditional ways of making and living continue to leave their mark. Along the way, I've met collectors, local families, estate owners and artisans who have shared their knowledge, opened doors to their collections and helped me see these objects in their cultural context.

Finding these pieces is rarely straightforward. There are journeys that lead nowhere, difficult terrain to navigate and conversations that require patience across language barriers. But there is also the excitement of discovering an unusual object, encountering a remarkable piece of craftsmanship or learning a story that gives an object an entirely new meaning. These experiences are as much a part of collecting as the objects themselves.

Today, The Blue Trunk brings together a considered collection of Indian vintage art, ritual objects, masks, wooden carvings and other cultural finds, alongside handcrafted work developed through collaborations with artisans. Each piece catches my attention for a reason: its character, craftsmanship, form or connection to a particular place and tradition. Wherever possible, I seek to understand and document its background, while recognising that the full story of an older object is not always known.

At our gallery in Aarey, Mumbai, an old blue trunk serves as a reminder of how this journey began. Through The Blue Trunk, I hope to share not just the objects I've collected, but also the curiosity that led me to them and the stories they invite us to discover.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Ujval Anand
Founder & Curator, The Blue Trunk

Frames that whisper tales from the roads less traveled

My journeys across India have never been just about finding objects to collect. I've always been drawn to the places, people and everyday moments that reveal something about a region and its way of life. Photography became a way of holding on to these encounters, preserving glimpses of places and moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

During a course in Indian Aesthetics, I was introduced to the rasa theory, an ancient Indian framework for understanding the nine rasas, or emotional essences of human experience. The idea stayed with me, influencing how I observe the world and respond to what I encounter.

When creating this website, I wanted to bring this other part of my journey into it. The photographs that follow are some of my own captures, viewed through the lens of the nine rasas. From the nostalgia of a forgotten alley to the wonder of an unfamiliar landscape, each image holds a moment, an impression or an emotion that stayed with me.

Together, they offer another way of exploring India: not just through the objects we collect or the places we visit, but through what we feel, remember and carry with us.

~~ THE RASAS OF LIFE ~~

Shringara (love/beauty)

The aesthetic and emotional essence of love, beauty, and romantic sentiment depicted through various art forms.

Hasya (laughter)

The essence of laughter and mirth, is reflected in these images, capturing the whimsical and joyful moments that evoke spontaneous smiles.

Karuna(sorrow)

Encapsulates the bittersweet beauty of compassion and empathy, revealing moments that stir the heart with a profound sense of shared humanity.

Raudra (anger)

Embodies the fierce and dynamic energy of anger, offering a glimpse into the intensity and power that surges through the captured scenes.

Veera (heroism/courage)

The embodiment of valor and heroic spirit, pulses through these visuals, encapsulating moments that exude strength, courage, and the indomitable spirit of triumph.

Bhayanaka (terror/fear)

The essence of fear and awe, finds expression in these images, evoking a visceral response as they unravel mysterious and intense moments.

Bibhatsa (disgust)

An aesthetic exploration of the grotesque and repulsive, unveils a unique beauty within the unconventional, challenging conventional norms of artistic expression.

Adbutha (surprise/wonder)

The aesthetic experience of wonder and amazement, breathes life into these captivating images, evoking a sense of awe and marvel.

Shantha (peace or tranquility)

The tranquil essence, is embodied in these images, offering a serene portrayal that evokes a sense of peaceful detachment and contemplative calm.