Collectors Gene Radio - Episode: Enis Karavil - A Teapot Collection Worth Displaying

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guest: Enis Karavil, Founder of Sanai 313

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner delves into the intricate world of collecting with Enis Karavil, the visionary founder of the interior design firm Sanai 313. Known for its distinctive blend of craftsmanship and storytelling, Sanai 313 is celebrated for creating spaces that tell compelling visual narratives. Today, Enis extends his expertise beyond interior design to share his passion for collecting vintage teapots and lighters—objects that he meticulously curates to weave rich stories and memories.

The Genesis of a Teapot Collection

Enis begins by recounting his childhood fascination with silver teapots, sparked during a family visit to Wolseley in London. "[...] when I was a kid with my family, I think I went to Wolseley in London and I saw them serving everything with silver pots. So I was very excited and I was very amazed how they can create little details on something very tiny." [00:00]

This early exposure ignited his passion for the intricate craftsmanship of teapots. Over the past 12 to 14 years, Enis has amassed a collection of approximately 140 teapots. He shares how his approach evolved from casual buying to a more intentional curation: "[...] after collecting I think 60 or 70 of them, I started to sell them and rebuy new ones. That excites me more." [02:04]

Philosophy Behind Collecting

For Enis, collecting is not merely about possession but about preserving memories. Each teapot in his collection represents a unique story and a specific moment in time. "[...] when I look at my teapot collection, I always say, like, oh, this one, this piece I got from like Marche de Puce in France, or like this one I got from in New York or this one I got from Turkey, you know what I mean? So I keep them as like a memory thing for myself as well." [10:35]

Enis emphasizes the importance of functionality in his collection. Unlike his family's approach of treating antiques as non-utilitarian display pieces, he prefers items that can be integrated into daily life. "I don't like to collect useless stuff." [03:47]

Diversity and Focus in the Collection

While Enis has a particular affinity for British and Chinese teapots, his collection spans various countries and styles. "[...] I collect different areas from different countries. French ones are different, British ones are different, Japanese ones are different. So I like to see how they come together from different sides of the world." [04:59]

This diversity allows him to appreciate the contrasting designs and historical contexts of each piece, enriching the overall narrative of his collection.

Displaying the Collection

Enis chooses to prominently display his teapots on a bookshelf in his dining area rather than relegating them to the kitchen. He appreciates the natural patina that develops over time, adding character and a sense of history to each piece. "[...] I like how they get older and older with time and how they get darkened. I really like that feeling at home." [07:21]

Viewing the teapots from the backside allows him to appreciate the craftsmanship of the legs, holders, and overall design. This thoughtful display method ensures that each teapot is both a decorative element and a conversation starter.

Navigating the Teapot Market

Enis sheds light on the niche nature of teapot collecting. He mentions that he rarely encounters other collectors, often facing questions about the practicality and purpose behind his collection. "[...] you can find many interesting and because not many people are collecting, you can find more interesting stuff for better budgets." [12:00]

He highlights the advantage of this niche market—access to unique pieces at more accessible prices. However, selling is a challenging aspect of his collecting philosophy, undertaken only when new acquisitions enhance his collection without redundancy. "[...] selling is not easy thing for a collector. I'm just selling it because I have the very similar one." [12:33]

Evolution of the Collection

Beyond teapots, Enis has expanded his collecting interests to include rare books and vintage lighters. He finds lighters particularly intriguing due to their intricate designs and multifunctionality. "[...] I collect old gold and silver lighters that I find it very interesting also because lighter is I. Even tinier than a teapot and crazy details." [21:08]

His latest acquisition is a collaboration piece between Duro and Dupont, a testament to his ongoing pursuit of unique and artistically significant objects. "[...] I found the stainless because they're not producing at the moment, stainless steel version. And I saw, I went to this collector watch company in Amsterdam and they sell it as a museum piece." [26:18]

Integrating Collections with Interior Design

Enis seamlessly integrates his collections into his professional work, using vintage pieces to create eclectic and contrasting aesthetics in his design projects. "[...] when I'm doing my interior design projects, I always use vintage pieces because I like to combine different areas and I like to create a contrast." [24:09]

This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of his projects but also adds depth and historical context, making each space uniquely engaging.

Collector's Gene Rundown

Cameron wraps up the episode with the classic Collector's Gene rundown, allowing Enis to share personal insights about his collecting journey:

• What's the one that got away?
  A Carlo Bugatti chair. [25:02]

• What's next for you in collecting?
  Vintage cigarette lighters, appreciating their detailed craftsmanship. [25:11]

• The unobtainable item:
  A vintage Vacheron Constantin 2022 stainless steel watch, currently a museum piece. [26:18]

• If you could collect anything else with unlimited resources:
  A vast collection of first edition vintage chairs, displayed artfully in a large warehouse. [27:28]

• Who do you look up to in the collecting world?
  Michel Bargo, admired for his taste and vision in rare furniture and objects. [27:55]

• The hunt or the ownership:
  Enis enjoys both the pursuit and the satisfaction of owning cherished items. "The hunt for it is half the fun." [28:11]

• Do you feel you were born with the collector's gene?
  While uncertain about genetic factors, Enis credits his upbringing in a family of collectors for fostering his passion. "The environment you grow up in is as important as your DNA." [28:34]

Conclusion

Enis Karavil's episode on Collectors Gene Radio offers an insightful exploration into the nuanced art of collecting. His passion for teapots and lighters is intertwined with his professional expertise in interior design, demonstrating how personal interests can enhance and inform creative endeavors. Through thoughtful curation and a deep appreciation for the stories behind each piece, Enis exemplifies what it means to have the "Collector's Gene."

Notable Quotes:

• "Making a collection is like collecting memories kind of thing." - Enis Karavil [00:00]

• "I don't like to collect useless stuff." - Enis Karavil [03:47]

• "I believe in love at first sight. So once I saw it, if I really like it, no matter what, I will buy it." - Enis Karavil [09:53]

• "The hunt for it is half the fun." - Enis Karavil [28:11]

Thank you for tuning into Collectors Gene Radio. Stay inspired and keep collecting!