A journey through South Asian heritage
Stepping into Hermitage’s new Nawala premises feels like embarking on a journey through time and culture. Previously located on Gower Street in Colombo 5, Hermitage transitioned to operating primarily online due to banned imports and rising overheads in recent years. Now, the physical store, with its range of products that blend history, artistry and craftsmanship, has reopened.
Known for its hand-picked antique and artisanal furniture, whimsical collectables, and ethnic and tribal silver jewellery as well as jewellery adorned with semi-precious stones, the store captures the essence of South and Southeast Asian heritage, offering pieces that serve as both functional decor and storytelling artefacts.
Hermitage: Blending history, artistry and craftsmanship
The jewellery at Hermitage is hand-picked by Safiya Husain and Yasmin Akbarally, the creative minds behind Hermitage. What began as a hobby developed into a thriving store that reflects their passion for art and antiques. Their extensive travels have taken them deep into the heartlands of jewel craft in India and beyond.
Creative minds behind the Hermitage: Yasmin Akbarally and Safiya Husain
Today, the management of Hermitage has been entrusted to Safiya’s husband, Husain Dawoodbhoy, himself an entrepreneur and businessman, who has quietly played a pivotal role behind the scenes since the brand’s inception. “I used to go to India for work, and I handled most of the buying for Hermitage even then,” shares Husain, whose ties to India, where his mother was from and where he completed his college education, have enriched the store’s offerings. “Both Safiya and Yasmin have grandchildren now, and my wife spends several months each year with our two daughters in Auckland and Chicago. So, I said, ‘Let me do it.’ I enjoy doing this, so I sort of took it over.”
The furniture at Hermitage is a testament to craftsmanship and history, with each piece thoughtfully curated to serve as both an accent and a conversation starter. The collection features painted Rajasthani furniture, antique doors and panels, coffee and centre tables, chests and boxes, consoles and mirror frames, all brimming with character.
Husain Dawoodbhoy. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Majestic doors from old Indian homes bring an air of regal splendour while innovative designs transform ornate Rajasthani camel cart parts into bookshelves, door frames into racks, and carved windows into coffee tables. Each creation is meticulously crafted, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary utility.
Beyond furniture, there’s an eclectic range of collectables. Display cabinets house compasses, telescopes, sand timers, and tribal artefacts. The walls boast masks, carved panels, and rare maps, while the shelves are lined with vintage books, postcards, stamps, autographs, and photographs. Out-of-print books, vinyl records, stamps, and many other quirky finds further enhance the store’s charm.
Hermitage is located at No. 33, Colombage Mawatha, Nawala.
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