Move over marble – here comes something more contemporary. While for centuries marble has been the medium of classical sculptors, even an enduring and timeless art form like sculpture can use an update. KAYIWA brings sculptural design into a new era with its latest granite collection.

These art-meets-function creations, with a minimalist, modern-design sensibility, are intended to last for years of use and enjoyment. Each item is a numbered limited edition piece, which means that every single one is a completely unique work of art.

Granite is one of the most durable, naturally occurring stones. While mainly used in architecture and art, it is ideal for surfaces that see a great deal of use, such as counter tops. In creating these avant-garde objects for living that experiment with form and aesthetic, Lincoln Kayiwa combines traditional handcraft with mechanization to create a line of timeless products – from mortar and pestle to furniture – exclusively out of a selection of rare Finnish granite types, such as Amadeus, Brown Hill, Moss Granite and Lappia Green. The collection pays tribute to the Finnish centenary, as granite is the national stone.

Though granite is weighty, a key feature throughout the collection makes the pieces easy to move. Honed finger grooves are placed strategically to allow the user to grip objects and lift them off surfaces.

The silhouettes throughout the granite collection are a play on geometry, proportion and precision, with contrasts of various shades and types of polished and honed granite. They include the following:

The SM Mortar and Pestle is a must-have essential for foodies and kitchen adventurists. This totem pole-shaped pentaptych is not only great for grinding spices or making guacamole, pesto and more, but it’s also a nutcracker. Though this multi-faceted tool may allude to S&M, it’s only by coincidence. It’s named after the designer’s partner, whose family and close friends address her as SM.

SM+ Citrus Reamer is a highly functional objet d’art. The reaming end stays elevated off the surface where it stands to keep germs and mess at bay.

The Barbara I & II Candleholders are each an artistic work in progress, with accumulating wax drippings lending an icing effect. Just like cake, they crumble. They may chip along the edges over time in a natural process that contributes to their beauty but does not diminish their usefulness. They can be used as a whole or by the slice.

Used individually or in groups, the multifunctional Dico Catchall is an elegant receptacle for walking sticks, umbrellas, candles, pens and more.

Using this Betty Rolling Pin, the user need not exert as much pressure to achieve results. The weight and smooth stone surface make flattening dough as easy as pie.

Osmo and Edouard Flower Pots come in cylindrical or oval shapes (respectively) to set off your bonsai, cacti or other distinguished greenery. 

The concept behind the Hamara Platter and Ittoli Bowl was the fascinating idea of a heavy object that hovers in air. Curved on both sides, the contact-lens-shaped platter and half-sphere-shaped bowl have no flat bottoms. The contrast between the dense granite and these expressive light shapes give the platter and bowl a weightless look, as if they are floating. These versatile vessels suit many purposes – as everyday receptacles or as table centerpieces – all of which display the inherent beauty in the natural grain of the granite.

The Nzela Coffee Table, an ingenious flat-pack construction of three snap-fit elements, uses only gravity to stay together; therefore, it does not require any tools, fixtures or fittings for assembly. Simple, yet sturdy enough for daily use, this series of coffee tables is a practical and beautiful addition to any living space.

The Eemeli Board Set is a combination of reversible trivet, cutting board and serving board – each with its granite type and unique, natural grain. Its high-strength surface construction is food-safe, limits knife marks, and easy to clean. Last but not least, it showcases each type of granite in the quadriptych beautifully.

About KAYIWA

KAYIWA’s portfolio is diverse – ranging from furniture to housewares. With a witty yet elegant disregard for convention, the studio’s collectibles are exquisite sculptures in their own right. At the same time, KAYIWA is passionate about fusing art with design to create functional solutions for everyday needs. The resulting limited edition objets d’art are genuine collectors’ items, which continue to appreciate in value over time.

For our most discerning clientele, KAYIWA offers customized service. All the existing works may be commissioned in a range of colors, sizes, material and finishes to create personalized, one-off pieces. Likewise, our atelier can also make a completely new creation made to the client’s exact specifications.

KAYIWA’s Finnish-Ugandan designer/artist borrows principles and aesthetic elements from the rich cultures and traditions of African and Nordic art, craft and design. His creations acquire a story and become a heritage to pass down to the next generation.

Each artifact balances the latest technology with the best of artisan skill. All the works are realized with very high standards, and we guarantee that they will perform well for many years. Accordingly, we warranty all our collectibles against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a minimum period of 10 years.

About Designer/Artist Lincoln Kayiwa

Lincoln Kayiwa was born in 1979 into an architectural family in Kampala, Uganda. He graduated as a Master of Arts from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki, Finland in 2007. Upon graduating, he founded his own studio, KAYIWA.

Kayiwa’s Ugandan roots and Nordic life blend into a unique approach. He shows us that design can be bold and playful, yet still aesthetic, fully functional and durable. His uncompromising, innovative works make Lincoln Kayiwa a pioneer in creating limited edition, usable art pieces for collectors and galleries across the world.