At Ashanti Design, we are always looking for opportunities to bring new and exciting design collaborations to life, celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of South African talent.
Our latest project? Partnering with the immensely talented Siviwe Jali of uMugqa Studio, a finalist from the Nando’s Hot Young Designer competition, to launch two stunning new lampshades—the Nokk and Rondo. These beautiful designs were unveiled at the JHB Decorex 2024 Show and are now available to architects and designers for upcoming projects.
A Proud Collaboration
As the manufacturing partner for Siviwe, it’s been a pleasure to see his vision take shape and to craft these unique pieces by hand in our Cape Town studio. The Nokk and Rondo are more than just lighting fixtures—they are a celebration of South African vernacular architecture and a fusion of traditional handcrafted techniques with modern design. By collaborating with emerging designers like Siviwe, we are proud to be part of a movement that promotes local talent and pushes the boundaries of what South African design can offer to the world.
Introducing the Nokk: Subtle and Sophisticated
The Nokk lampshade is a continuation of Siviwe’s original Nokkhanya design, but with a more refined, smaller scale. At 200mm wide and 300mm high, the Nokk is the ideal pendant for those intimate spaces that call for subtle lighting. Imagine it hanging in clusters over a cozy reading nook, illuminating shelves filled with your favourite books, or above a small dining area. Its diamond-patterned weave reflects traditional South African craftsmanship while introducing a modern aesthetic that feels at home in any design environment.
What makes the Nokk truly special is the customisability it offers. Whether you’re working on a restaurant project or a boutique retail space, this lampshade can be tailored to your specific colour palette, adding an extra layer of personalisation to your design. It’s a stunning example of how form and function can meet to create something truly special.
Meet the Rondo: Bold and Dramatic
If the Nokk is about subtlety, the Rondo is all about impact. At an impressive 1000mm in diameter and 250mm high, this oversized pendant is perfect for making a bold statement in larger spaces. The Rondo is designed to grab attention and fill the space with its presence—ideal for foyers, hotel lobbies, or any area where you want to create drama and visual interest.
Just like the Nokk, the Rondo takes inspiration from South African vernacular architecture and combines it with contemporary design trends. Its large-scale form is brought to life through a delicate handwoven process, demonstrating the incredible skill of our team of artisans. This design is also customisable, allowing designers and architects to choose the perfect colour combination to fit the needs of their specific projects.
Truly South African Designs
Both the Nokk and Rondo lampshades are a testament to the power of South African design. With their blend of traditional weaving techniques and contemporary form, they are a reflection of our commitment to creating high-quality, handcrafted pieces that honour local craftsmanship while meeting global design standards. Through our collaboration with Siviwe Jali, these two new designs carry the spirit of South African creativity to the world stage.
A Call to Designers and Architects
Are you working on an exciting new project?
Whether you're designing an intimate space that calls for the subtle elegance of the Nokk or a large-scale area that demands the bold presence of the Rondo, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. As customisable pieces, these lampshades can be tailored to suit any colour palette or design scheme, ensuring that they fit seamlessly into your project.
Get in touch with us to explore how these South African-designed pieces can enhance your next interior design project. We’re eager to collaborate with designers and architects who are looking to bring authentic, handcrafted lighting into their spaces.
