Story & Highlights
FOUNDER: Aman Khanna
TEAM: Small, skilled team of in-house artisans working under Aman’s creative direction
LOCATION: Based in New Delhi, India
MATERIALS: Natural clay, hand-mixed slips, open-fire finishes, sun-dried earthen textures
Materials & Craft
Claymen's figures and functional objects begin with simple, locally sourced sun-dried clay, shaped entirely by hand before being half-fired over an open flame. This process absorbs the material's natural texture and geological memory. Khanna's use of terracotta and stoneware allows deliberate imperfections to remain visible, reflecting the raw state of the material. The result is a tactile minimalism: pieces that feel organic, grounded, and intentionally unpolished, inviting touch and honest engagement.
Form & Philosophy
Claymen pieces sit at the intersection of sculpture and function, where minimalist forms carry quiet philosophical weight. The figures, often expressionless or introspective, reflect universal human emotions—solitude, stillness, imbalance—captured in clay with a subtle sense of humor and humility. Whether a contemplative head, a hunched figure, or a simple vessel, each object invites reflection on the emotional texture of everyday life. Without overt ornament or noise, Claymen reminds us of the beauty in restraint and the meaning in simplicity.
Workshop & Artisans
Claymen's 2,100 sq ft atelier is located in New Delhi's Dhan Mill Compound. The design of the space allows for each piece to breathe, with a focus on negative space. The atelier doubles as a gallery, workshop and drying yard. The studio was adapted from a previous industrial shell, with 90% of its interiors and furniture being repurposed to minimise waste. Here, Aman collaborates with a small team of 12–15 artisans, who work together daily to create products by mixing clay, moulding, firing kilns, and refining the final touches. The company's production cycle, which lasts two weeks, is characterised by a balanced approach to chaos and process. This approach facilitates both creative exploration and functional craft.