Kawther Alsaffar

Saffar Crafts is a Kuwaiti based design practice striving to find the value in the diversity of regional design within a global society. It aims to contribute to a world wide conversation on the differences and meaning of cultural design, by pushing to elevate and promote the processes and skills available in Kuwait. The products of this practice aspire to be personally informed, locally defined, and universally desirable. 

As a first collection Saffar’s three products focus on a variety of unique attributes of sand casting in Kuwait. Through the process of making and discussion with the craftsmen the forms were tailored and redesigned to highlight these abilities.

Tableware – tells story of a fragmented experience of Kuwait, and growing up with a wider experience of the world. As a person with formative experiences from Kuwait, London and the USA my interpretation of culture is influenced by this expansive territory. The series combines a sense of nostalgia, play and critical probing of the meaning of culture. The items gain potency from my personal stories, but have also transformed in intent through the fabricators hands and the relationships built during their production. 

Dual Bowls – developed from working with Alwafi craftsmen on Tableware and discovering untapped potential for dual metal casting. By using simple forms we pushed the limits of casting, allowing us to highlight the beauty of the distinctive imperfection and the unique workmanship.

Scaffolding Table – abstracts and highlights the functional structures and delicateness of scaffolding in Kuwait. The table is designed with scaffolding inspired, pre-cast connection methods, which compliment local fabrication, such as the levelling scaffolding jack foot. The table flat packs for easy assembly and low volume shipping.