East of India was started in February 1991 by John Ayris and Anne Spratling. Whilst travelling throughout Asia they met a talented craftsman in Bali who had made a beautiful wooden pig, among other amazing products. They bought the pig and packed it into their rucksack. Three months later back in the UK they received so many admiring comments regarding the pig they decided to start their own business, introducing these beautiful handmade crafts to a wider audience.

They returned to Bali and re-engaged with their craftsman and East of India was born.

Today all of their products are designed with love and care at their studio in Folkestone and they still work closely with their original ‘family team’, who now employ numerous other friends and family members to satisfy demand. They offer sustainable employment to their artisans who are still able to earn a living using traditional skills passed down through the generations.

For a number of years they have been involved with a tree planting project in Indonesia. Wood used in today’s products come from seedlings planted no more than 10 years ago. Each tree harvested is replaced with another, which in turn will be ready to use 10 years after planting.

East of India is also the owner and guardian of ‘Oak Wood’ in Kent, 22 acres designated as ancient woodland in an area of outstanding natural beauty and a site of special scientific interest.

They have always been mindful of their impact on the environment