Nauka
Once known as “black gold,” black pepper was among the most valuable commodities in the world, shaping trade routes, empires, and global exchange from antiquity through the colonial era. Over time, its cultural and economic significance faded, transforming it into an unremarkable everyday seasoning.
Nauka explores how black pepper might be recontextualized as a cultural artifact rather than a commodity. By tracing its journey from luxury good to commonplace condiment, the project uses branding, storytelling, and material design to restore a sense of value, curiosity, and historical awareness to an object we now take for granted.
Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Sketchup, Twinnmotion
Box: Black acrylic, glass vials, pepper (malahabar, tri-colour, tellicherry), beeswax candle, cotton edge paper
2025
Personal Project
Process Book
peppercorn plantation, a cotton paper brochoure detailing the peppercorn’s history, and a scented
candle made using the peppercorn. All containers are reusable.
Pictured: Indian black peppercorn from Karimunda Plantation
Pictured: Spice hall.