The Athar Collection — A Creative Collaboration
A dialogue between disciplines, cultures, and materials.
This exclusive collection is the result of a collaboration with Barcelona- and Dubai-based interior designer
María Méndez, uniting a shared vision of contemporary living through craftsmanship, architectural sensibility,
and refined artistry. Expressed through a subtle yet organic design language, the collection pays homage to the
desert landscapes of Dubai — a place that has deeply influenced the designer’s creative vision, material
sensibility, and sense of place.
Rooted in a mutual appreciation for texture, form, and spatial harmony, the collection explores how objects
interact with their environment — not as standalone pieces, but as part of a larger design language.
ATHAR, derived from the Arabic word for the trace left behind by wind, erosion, and time, captures the quiet
imprint of nature upon form, surface, and memory.
Conceived as a study in erosion, this exclusive collection of handmade ceramic objects draws inspiration from
the quiet monumentality of desert dunes — surfaces shaped not by force, but by time, wind, and the subtle
movement of sand. Handmade with a sculptural sensibility, each piece explores the tension between raw
texture and refined restraint through a language of soft asymmetry and tactile minimalism.
The defining gesture of the collection is a delicate bas-relief contour that traces each form like the crest of a
dune: a subtle dividing line between two distinct terrains. The exterior surfaces - gently textured and softly
granular — evoke windward slopes dusted with powdery sand, while the interiors reveal a calm matte glaze in
pale ivory and warm beige tones, reminiscent of untouched slipfaces under desert light. Irregular rising edges
echo the organic silhouette of shifting dune ridgelines, giving every object a sense of quiet movement and
individuality.
Comprising handcrafted tableware, sculptural bowls, organic vases and decorative wall panels, the collection
transcends function to become a tactile landscape of light, shadow, and materiality. Each object is shaped and
finished by hand, preserving the nuances of the maker’s gesture and reinforcing the collection’s connection to
nature’s imperfect geometries. The result is a body of work that feels both timeless and contemporary – soft
organic silhouettes shaped into refined collectible design.
Long and fluid like a quiet landscape, this handmade ceramic platter is shaped with an intuitive, organic touch. Its elongated form gently undulates along the edges, creating a soft, asymmetrical silhouette that feels both natural and refined. The shallow depth and smooth interior surface make it ideal for presentation, while the subtly raised rim provides definition without disrupting its minimal character.
Finished in a warm, matte beige, the piece carries a raw yet sophisticated texture that reflects its handcrafted nature. Perfect for serving, styling, or standing alone as a sculptural accent, it brings a sense of calm movement and understated elegance to any setting. Each platter is uniquely formed, celebrating the beauty of variation and the artistry of the human hand.
Crafted by hand and guided by an organic rhythm, this ceramic bowl piece embraces imperfection as its signature. Its softly contoured form flows like a gentle ripple, with subtly uneven edges that lend it a natural, sculptural presence. The matte, sandy-beige finish evokes a quiet earthiness, making it as calming to the eye as it is tactile to the touch.
Designed to sit effortlessly between function and art, this piece can serve as a bowl, a decorative accent, or a standalone statement. Each curve and variation tells the story of its making, ensuring that no two are ever quite the same. Minimal yet expressive, it brings a sense of warmth, authenticity, and understated elegance to any space.
Refined in form and grounded in simplicity, this handmade ceramic plate captures the beauty of quiet precision. Its gently raised rim creates a subtle boundary, while the soft, rounded silhouette maintains an organic, approachable feel. The matte, warm beige surface carries a natural texture that speaks to its artisanal origins, offering a tactile richness without overwhelming the eye.
Balancing functionality with understated elegance, this piece is designed for both everyday use and curated presentation. Whether serving as a dining essential or a minimalist display object, its timeless form and neutral tone allow it to blend seamlessly into any setting. Each plate carries slight variations, a testament to the human touch behind its creation, making every piece uniquely yours.
Sculpted with a sense of movement and quiet fluidity, this handmade ceramic centerpiece captures the elegance of a form in motion. Its gently rising curves and soft, asymmetrical contours create a wave-like silhouette, offering a dynamic yet calming presence. The smooth interior flows seamlessly into subtly lifted edges, making it ideal for both functional use and visual display.
Finished in a warm, matte beige, the surface carries a natural, tactile quality that reflects its handcrafted origin. Designed to sit effortlessly at the heart of a table or space, it serves as a versatile centerpiece—perfect for styling, serving, or simply existing as a sculptural statement. Each piece is uniquely shaped, celebrating organic variation and the beauty of intentional imperfection.
A composition of textures, depth, and quiet contrast, these wall panels are designed to transform surfaces into tactile works of art. Crafted through the thoughtful integration of wood, leather, and stone, each panel explores the dialogue between natural materials—where the warmth of wood meets the softness of leather and the grounded presence of stone.
The design balances structured geometry with organic movement, featuring layered surfaces, carved lines, and subtle relief patterns that shift with light and shadow throughout the day. Neutral, earthy tones enhance their versatility, allowing them to complement both modern and timeless interiors.
More than decorative elements, these panels are immersive design statements—bringing dimension, material richness, and a sense of curated calm to any space. Each piece is uniquely assembled, reflecting craftsmanship, material integrity, and a refined, architectural aesthetic.
All dimensions are approximate. Each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in size, shape, and finish may occur, making each item unique.
Each AKANA piece is created in limited quantity, shaped through a considered process that honors both material and intention. We will respond to your inquiry with availability, timelines, and next steps.
Inquire To Aquire
