- Art & Design
Design studio Cypraea is based in Mauritius and is inspired by the beautiful island with its white beaches, clear blue lagoons, coral reefs and lush vegetation. They created an exclusive collection of furniture inspired by the tropical environment and their name also comes from the nature of the island: cypraea are rare shells found in the Indian Ocean.
The studio blends design with nature, creating perfect harmony. They have been around since 1974, making them the oldest furniture company in Mauritius. In 2006, the brand was renewed by Cedric Lincoln and the Italian architect and designer Francesco Maria Messina later also joined the company. Together, they exhibit the natural wonders of the island with this beautiful collection of furniture.
For the collection, the designers took the ocean as their starting point because "that's where all life began and where the Cypraea, the shell, is found," they say. The designers compare the island to a beautiful shell, which despite being small contains a rarity and charm that make you cherish it like a treasure. That uniqueness and value they conveyed in the innovative and original designs of the series. You will immediately recognize natural materials, textures and shapes and colours of shells, wood, branches, water, and so on.
They brought the uniqueness and preciousness of the island in the innovative and original designs of the range.
In some tables you can recognise mangrove branches and water, for example, and in a sideboard there is bark incorporated. Cedric and Francesco didn't want the furniture to be obsolete after just a few years and they don't want to be associated with fashion or trends. "I would love it if one day parents would pass on our pieces of furniture to their children, as people used to do." Innovative techniques and excellent craftsmanship turn all pieces of furniture into unique natural works of art, which were also beautifully exhibited: "By placing our pieces in an urban environment, they become natural ambassadors of our island and its nature," says Cedric. Everyone one would want such a beautiful piece of nature in their home, right? 
Instagram: cypraea_ilemaurice
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Website: cypraea.mu
Email: Info@cypraea.mu
All Images Courtesy of Designstudio Cypraea