Bikila – Wooden & Ceramic Baking Stamps
A tradition reborn through memory, craft, and refined form.
This exclusive collection brings together handcrafted ceramic and carved wood, inspired by the ancient Georgian ritual object—Bikila.
Bikila is a traditional wooden baking stamp, historically used in the Racha region during festive occasions. Archaeological findings from the Bronze Age confirm that Bikilas have been part of Georgian culture for centuries—carrying symbols, ornaments, and meaning through generations.
✨ Inspiration
The heart of this project comes from a deeply personal place.
My inspiration was my great-grandfather’s hand-carved Bikila, made from walnut wood more than a century ago. This object, passed through time, carries not only ornament—but memory, care, and the spirit of gathering.
✨ The Collection
This collection reimagines Bikila in a contemporary and elegant form—combining:
- Handbuilt and handpainted ceramic
• Laser-cut wooden ornaments
• Functional sculptural design
Diameter: 23 cm
A defining element of this series is the round, sculptural handle, which brings a sense of softness and visual harmony to the piece. The handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, allowing ease of use while maintaining a refined, elegant presence.
The hand-painted compositions flow naturally across the surface, extending gently toward the handle, creating a continuous, organic visual movement. The ornament and painting feel unified—almost as if grown together—rather than placed separately.
Two main design directions:
- Georgian Ornaments – rooted in local heritage
- Asian Mandalas – inspired by universal harmony and symmetry
✨ Function
Beyond baking, Bikila becomes a versatile creative tool:
- For stamping patterns on bread, corn bread, lobiani and khachapuri
• For imprinting designs on clay surfaces
• For decorating textiles with ornamental motifs
It transforms from a kitchen object into a bridge between crafts—connecting food, art, and tradition.
✨ Project Vision
The goal of this project is to revive the tradition of Bikila, bringing back the joy of shared rituals—of baking together, preparing for celebrations, and creating beauty with hands.
It is about restoring a forgotten gesture and turning it into a living, tactile experience again—where heritage meets contemporary design with elegance and intention.
✨ Project & Support
This collection was created within the framework of iAtelier: Technologies and Innovative Experience Program, as part of the projects of the International Center of Arts:
- “Crafting Europe” (Creative Europe Programme of the European Commission)
• Creative Georgia
• “Future Workforce for Crafts Industry” (USAID Economic Security Program)
In collaboration with Ilia State University and the Future Industrial Innovation Lab – FabLab Iliauni.
