Written by
19 January 2025
•
4 min read
Among the most sought-after is Indian marble, renowned for its exquisite beauty and rich history in architecture and design. Quarried primarily from Rajasthan, the region of India abundant in natural stone, Indian marble boasts a wide array of colours, patterns and textures that suit all designs from grandeur palaces such as the to contemporary homes.
ArchiPro spoke with Ralph Noronha, co-founder of Carvus, about how they highlight the natural beauty of Indian marble to craft their bespoke bathtubs and basins, and how these pieces really work to bring a space to life.
A Brief History of Indian Marble
Indian marble has a rich and enduring history, deeply embedded in the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. Its use dates back to ancient times where iconic structures like the Taj Mahal were built from Makrana marble, showcasing the material's purity and fine texture. The Mughal era, in particular, elevated marble to new heights, and this rich tradition is still very much alive today. Artisans continue to blend centuries-old techniques with modern design, ensuring that marble remains a symbol of beauty, artistry and cultural significance in India.
Luxury Born from Tradition
Carvus is dedicated to preserving this centuries-old craftsmanship, working closely with skilled artisans in India, whose expertise has been passed down through generations. “They are fourth, fifth or even sixth-generation artisans, trained professionals who come from a long lineage of craftsmen. Their great-grandfathers, and even great-great-grandfathers, learned these skills generations ago, and these techniques, often referred to as "secret methods," have been passed down through the years, making their craftsmanship truly unique,” explains Ralph.
As we spoke more about the craftsmen behind Carvus’ luxurious marble bathtubs and basins, one thing became clear: a deep sense of pride in their work runs deep. “When I visited the artisans, particularly one of the master craftsmen who oversees the entire workshop, one thing that really stood out was the sense of pride they have in their work. It’s not just a factory where basic pieces are produced and sent out; each artisan puts a great deal of thought, effort and even a part of their own personality into the product.”
They take great pride in what they do, which is important because when people buy a piece, they’re not just purchasing a product—they’re acquiring something with historical significance that they can truly appreciate and cherish.
Bathtubs & Basins
With all of this in mind, Carvus has beautifully blended the rich history and significance of such a material with the luxury of bathing and the importance of a morning and nighttime routine. Their range of bathtubs and basins stem far beyond contemporary designs, showing you what it’s truly like to invest in something that is bound to change your space completely - and for the better.
"Each name holds meaning, connected to elements found deep within the Earth,” tells Ralph. Each piece is carefully crafted, and the luxury extends to the ergonomics of the bath, designed purposefully for deep, ultimate relaxation. “When you sit in our baths, you can truly relax. You want to be able to sit back and enjoy the experience of your bath, and we make sure this aspect is factored into every design.”
Their newly launched basins are no exception to purposeful ergonomics, worked on meticulously for a while now. Designed with the same beautiful Indian marble options, their basins boast a luxurious weight that only stone can provide. The ‘Van’ style in particular “is a really solid basin, and quite heavy—it's one of the heavier ones we offer,” says Ralph. With four initial designs to explore, and more yet to come, the basins are another perfect way of adding a breathtaking accent to any space..