Raksha Sanika has launched House of Santal, an 8,000-square-foot gallery in Midtown Manhattan dedicated to contemporary collectible design from South Asia. Opened in February 2026, it showcases 13 Indian designers in its inaugural exhibition, blending ancient craft techniques with modern forms. The gallery aims to elevate regional artisans on the international stage amid shifting perceptions of South Asian creativity.
Raksha Sanika, trained in finance and with a family background in India's construction industry, founded House of Santal after a 2018 project that involved extensive travel across India. Visiting studios and events like the India Art Fair, she recognized the sophistication of contemporary Indian design. "What struck me was the level of manufacturing capability and the way craft was being incorporated into design," Sanika explains. "Historically, craft often showed up as small surface elements or decorative details. What’s emerging now is something different: quality-controlled, beautifully produced, thoughtfully designed objects that are craft-driven at their core. And that’s when I felt the world really needed to see this."
The gallery, named after santalum or sandalwood—a sacred material in South Asia—focuses primarily on India but plans to include designers from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Its debut exhibition, titled "At the Threshold of the Courtyard," features vignettes highlighting 13 Indian designers and studios. These explore materials like intricate marquetry and hand-woven textiles, rooted in centuries-old traditions.
Notable pieces include the Rock Dining Table by Sage Living, crafted from brittle pyrite using stone inlay techniques reminiscent of the Taj Mahal's floors. "It’s incredibly labor-intensive," Sanika notes, describing how artisans assemble tiny fragments into seamless surfaces. Beyond Dreams presents wood seating inspired by mudras, the symbolic hand gestures from yoga and Indian spiritual practices, emphasizing ergonomic and cultural symbolism.
Another highlight is the Beevi Pai Swing by Design ni Dukaan, founded by architect Veeram Shah. Woven mats are made by women from Gujarat's Maja community, with the process involving close collaboration. Sanika praises Shah's approach: "Even in his pricing, it’s not about maximizing his earnings. He’s always thinking about how he can support the master artisans he works with."
Pricing positions the works in the premium collectible market, with chairs ranging from $4,000 to $11,000 and tea tables from $12,000 to $18,000. Despite logistical challenges, including high tariffs—initially peaking before dropping to 18%—the gallery opened successfully. Visitor response has been "overwhelming," with many surprised by the finish and conceptual depth of the pieces, which blend organic lines, nature connections, and cultural philosophy.
Sanika earned a master's in interior design to deepen her expertise, enabling her to curate pieces that bridge heritage and innovation. The gallery serves as a platform for artisans, fostering sustainable models that value labor and tradition over mass production.
