Words Shehara de Mel Photographs Prabath Chathuranga
Lending style and elegance to its showcase of distinctive wares, the Art of Living is a store unlike any other. Located on the upper level of a plaza complex, its miniature and modest appearance does not prepare you for the beauty and sophistication that lies within. Stepping into the Art of Living is akin to entering an enchanting and intriguing world of glass, crystal and silver. Its collection of items entices anyone that walks through its door.
The largest importer of glassware to Sri Lanka, Art of Living, a subsidiary of Promo Lanka Marketing, began in 2007 initially showcasing its glassware to the hotel industry. However, over the years, the store was enhanced with other products in order to cater to a diverse market. Surrounded by contrasting coloured walls, the store encompasses a range of glassware, stemware, ceramic ware, bowls and storage jars, vases, trays, linen, cutlery and lamps. While a majority of the items are imported from international manufacturers intermingled with these items are products made in Sri Lanka such as table mats, ceramic crockery and hand-made cutlery.
The front of the store is lined with three-tiered stands of glassware and stemware in different shapes and sizes. Each design characterises the glass, handpicked for occasions ranging from fine dining to informal gatherings. Imported from the Libbey Company, USA and Ocean Brand from Thailand, the stemware comprises an exclusive crystal range, which caters specifically for fine dining occasions. Customers have a wide variety of glasses to explore – from coffee and latte glasses, shot glasses, sherry glasses, to Hi-Balls and glasses that serve hard liquor and juices. High quality cutlery, arranged in wooden encasements, is imported from the Sola Company in Netherlands. Stainless steel cutlery, ice buckets and storage jars are also available.
Tucked away in a cozy corner, partly shadowed by the magnificence emanating from the glassware, lie the linen items, displaying towels, bed linen, table linen, runners and cushion covers. The towels and runners are imported from India while much of the linen is supplied from Pakistan. Intricately designed cushion covers with an oriental touch are sourced from both India and Pakistan. Copper lamps, also from Pakistan, sit majestically on the top of a few shelves radiating their exotic, aesthetic splendour.
Enhancing the store’s collection with a Sri Lankan touch are the items produced locally. Hand-woven table mats, a rare yet beautifully designed set of hand-made cutlery, hand-made candle stands and ashtrays add variety to the store’s vast selection. Other local products include ceramic crockery, vases and wooden lamps.
Adjoining the main store at Art of Living is a miniature showroom exhibiting exquisite tableware from the internationally acclaimed RAK Brand from Dubai. It features ethereal and uniquely designed platters, crystal glassware and stemware. Trays imported from Thailand, Pyrex ware and vases of the ‘Crisa’ Brand, a subsidiary of Libbey, are on display at the store.
Customers are provided with an exceptional service in that the articles are neatly packed and carried to their vehicles. The store offers gift vouchers, a bridal registry service and gift packages for corporate promotions.
With plans to add more items to its collection, Art of Living is a storehouse of sophisticated designs, a rarity and treasure trove within a busy vicinity.
Art of Living, 33 1/5, Plaza Complex,
Galle Road, Colombo 6
Tel: (+94 11) 454 1817
Fax: (+94 11) 259 8691
artofliving1@sltnet.lk
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