UNITING THE WORLD THROUGH
Award Winning Design
Every design tells a meaningful story
Welcome to Ihsan Ishan Design, where creativity meets unity.
An award-winning multidisciplinary creative studio specializing
in unique design that unites the world, educates, advocates,
and inspires faith and cultural understanding.
“Faith. Design. Understanding. Change”
Ihsan Ishan Design is not just a business – it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.
SPEAKING, EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP
• INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP & DIALOGUE
• SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ART
• DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
• ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION
• DESIGNING WITH CULTURAL & FAITH INTELLIGENCE
• HINDU CHAPLAINCY & EDUCATION
DESIGN & CREATIVE SERVICES
• PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
• BRANDING & VISUAL SYSTEMS
• ILLUSTRATION & COMMISSIONS
• LOGO DESIGN & IDENTITY
• PACKAGING, PRINT, & EXHIBITION DESIGN
• MUSEUM, CULTURAL, & EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN
MUSEUM SERVICES & PORTFOLIO
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS : LECTURES, WORKSHOPS, AND ADVISORY SERVICES
MUSEUM BRANDING & EXHIBITION IDENTITY
CUSTOM DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
CUSTOM PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
BRAND IDENTITY
BEAUTY, FASHION, LUXURY
(PASSWORD REQUIRED)
COMMISSIONS
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, EXHIBITIONS, LECTURES, CONSULTING
INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP &
HINDU CHAPLAINCY
EXHIBITIONS
LECTURER IN ART, DESIGN,
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
“The Global Silk Road. Designs meant for interexchanges and meaningful dialogue”
SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS, DISCOVER THE CONCEPTS &
STORIES BEHIND THE DESIGNS
CONCEPT :
“Subhanallah” means “God is perfect” or “Praised be God”, or “Glory to God” in Arabic.This was inspired by my love for Hindustani music (North Indian classical music) and Qawwali (devotional music of Sufi Islam.)
Often, during one of these performances, the musicians become so entranced, that they extend their pointer finger up in the air. The musician that does this is usually the singer, harmonium player, or tabla player and not the sitar, violin, or santur player as they may end up dropping their instrument!
Depending on who you ask, the pointer finger gesture may symbolize that God is one, God is above you, there is One God, God is everywhere, or from heaven to your heart, God is there.
To show their appreciation for outstanding performance, the audience may say “Subhanallah," which is part of the inspiration behind this design.
Written in Diwani script. “Allah” is written in the fingernails and thumb, “Subhan” on the fingers and the palm and it is read right to left.
(Full concept/story behind design printed inside on first page)
Product Details:
• 48 pages
• 70lb acid free paper with a creamy white smooth finish
• HD resolution color print
• Scuff resistant velvet ultra matte laminate cover
• Printed and hand bound with high durability tacky glue.
• W= 7.25” x H = 10” x D=2.5”
Made to order: This item is produced specifically for you. Please review carefully, as we are unable to offer returns or exchanges. Please allow 10-15 days from production and fulfillment.
Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
CONCEPT :
All Indian Classical Music Instruments are considered sacred in Hinduism.
The “Veena” is the oldest (200 BC), Goddess Saraswati (patron of fine arts, music, knowledge) is pictured holding this instrument, and is considered an embodiment of the divine or her.
That’s why you will see South Asian classical musicians holding/cradling/playing their instruments with utmost devotion and care.
Vasant Panchami (Springtime festival/Hindu holiday honoring Saraswati) is also celebrated by some Indian Sufi Muslims (Chishti order). The 13th C Sufi poet Amir Khusrau (Father of Hindustani (North Indian) Classical music adopted this practice of celebrating after seeing Hindus going to the temple.
This design is the Veena with Urdu Calligraphy. The Urdu poem is by famous Pakistani poet Josh Malihabadi.
Translation:
"Zindagi (life), Bageshree (a Raga), Deepak (a Raga), Sarang (a Raga,) Sohnee (a Raga), Taraashee (Sculpture), Raqs (Dance), Mauseequee (Music), Khitaabat (Calligraphy), Shaa’e’ree (Poetry)
"Life is these 4 ragas, dance, music, sculpture, calligraphy, and poetry!"
–A Raga refers to a melodic mode/framework in Indian Classical Music.
Read from right to left from the top of the instrument to the bottom.
I thought this poem went well with my artwork since Goddess Saraswati is the patron deity of all art forms!
Colors white (purity of thought), blue (ancient river Saraswati, the fluidity of thought) all associated with the Goddess.
Printed on front and back.
Product Details:
• Made from Cotton Canvas
• Functional, oversized dimensions of 20” wide, 15” tall and 4” deep
• Navy blue inner liner with 1 zipper pocket and 1 double pocket for organization
• Digitally printed with permanent reactive inks for vibrant full exterior print
• 1.5” wide cotton webbing straps in black
• Machine Washable (Inside out gentle cycle)
Made to order: This item is produced specifically for you. Please review carefully, as we are unable to offer returns or exchanges.
Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
CONCEPT:
“Amazigh”, (plural Imazighen), means “free people” in the Tamazight language who are the “indigenous” people of North Africa. Among outsiders, the more common – though incorrect – name for Imazighen is Berber, a term that is largely rejected by Imazighen for its negative connotations. It’s related to the word ‘barbarian’.
I felt very at home in Morocco, perhaps because Amazigh culture is very similar to my Indian (Tamil) Culture.
The “Tamazight” language is written in the “Tiffinagh” script is one of the oldest languages in the world like Tamil.
Yennayer the Amazigh New Year is celebrated with special celebrations and dishes, Tamil people’s harvest festival is Pongal which is usually two days after Yennayer.
All my designs were inspired by my trip to Morocco and the Amazigh people. My designs combine geometric patterns, Southern Mosque architecture (very distinct and unique to the desert), Jewelry carvings, Tuareg symbols, traditional colors, and Tifinagh script.
Color palette inspired by the traditional blues of the Amazigh & the Sahara desert.
There are 3 distinct dialects of Tamazight in Morocco including Tache7it (Southeast), Tariffit (North), Tamazight (Atlas region) plus numerous variants of the language across North Africa.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Allover TILLEI ABDA or “Always be Free” pattern inspired by traditional Amazigh motifs with Tifinagh script.
Silk / Modal Blend
28” x 80”
4 dark blue tassels on each corner
Comes with Gold Logo Shopper Bag
CONCEPT :
“Jai Shri Ganesha” in Sanskrit means victory to, hail, praise, or admiration for Lord Ganesha, the first deity of Hinduism and the first god one offer prayers to in Hinduism.
Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and is referred to as Pilayar in Tamil. Pilai = son/child Yar= who? Which translates to “who’s son is he?
Contrary to popular belief, Hindus are NOT Idol worshipers.
Instead, deities/arts are visuals/tools to connect with the formless divine.
The theory behind worshipping multiple deities is there is One God, but with many faces and they are all aspects of the same divine.
Ganesha has an elephant head representing wisdom and large ears to listen to the problems of his devotees.
This is written in Kufic script. “Ganesha” is written in both ears and “Jai Shri Ganesha” is read up the trunk and into the face.
Print Details:
• Museum-quality prints made on thick and durable matte paper.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
Museums are places of knowledge, discovery, and wonder, we create products that help share them.
From oversized book bags to premium notebooks and luxurious scarves, every piece is made with premium materials, built to last, rooted in research and storytelling. Inspired by global cultures, faiths, and traditions, our products spark curiosity, conversation, and connection.
Because the more we learn about each other, the more compassionate the world becomes.
Inspired by Household Gods: Hindu Devotional Prints, 1860–1930 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, we created two new pieces to celebrate the exhibition, because representation matters, pairing a print from the show with our own research, storytelling, and design.
The Divine Collection
Handcrafted jewelry inspired by a powerful interfaith encounter between a Hindu artist and Muslim jeweler.
Blending Hindu symbolism and Islamic calligraphy, each piece is handcrafted to reflect unity, devotion, and design.
ASIAN ART MUSEUM &
Ihsan Ishan Design
Beyond Bollywood: Celebrating 2,000 Years of Dance Exhibition
For this landmark exhibition, Ihsan Ishan Design created and produced a capsule collection translating over two thousand years of sacred movement, rhythm, and art into contemporary design. Drawing from our deep cultural knowledge, lived spiritual practice, and rigorous research, the designs draw inspiration from the museum’s collections preserving their meaning, while reimagining them for today, educating, and connecting contemporary audiences.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION AND DISCOVER THE STORIES BEHIND EACH PIECE
THE TABLA DESIGN &
USTADH / GURU ZAKIR HUSSAIN
HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
This special collection pays tribute to Zakir Ji, one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known.
He deeply cherished the “Subhanallah Tabla” design—wearing it with pride for its message of Hindu-Muslim unity, proud of my work as a Hindu Chaplain, and my interfaith efforts. He was so happy and proud that this design hangs by the Mosque at NYU and often joked that he had it in every color.
To honor his legacy, I have re released this design in new colors with luxe embroidery techniques, with “Z” and “Zakir” on the wrist along with three Indian Classical Musicians who adore him, Manik Khan (sarod), Kavindra Sahabir (sitar), and Kushal Sahabir (tabla) as models.
His music and spirit embodied
unity and compassion.
He will forever be missed.
With love,
Sangeetha Kowsik
Founder & Creative Director
Ihsan Ishan Design
MEXICO CITY COLLECTION
This collection celebrates the spiritual cultural interconnectedness of Mesoamerican and Hindu traditions, inspired by Mexico City.
It highlights the marigold flower, native to Mexico (though popularly known as a South Asian flower) and tied to ancestor reverence in both cultures, alongside a unique Mexican Lord Ganesha design inspired by
Mesoamerican deity art and a unique pattern, incorporating marigolds, handpicked roses, and elements from both traditions to create a striking, culturally rich design.
AMAZIGH
(INDIGENOUS PEOPLES)
OF NORTH AFRICA
This collection celebrates the rich heritage of the Imazighen, the "free people", indigenous communities of North Africa.
Inspired by the deep cultural parallels between Amazigh and Tamil traditions, this collection blends geometric patterns, Southern Mosque architecture, jewelry carvings, Tuareg symbols, traditional colors, and the ancient Tifinagh script.
This unique design series honors the timeless beauty of the Tamazight language and its shared legacy of resilience and artistry.
This collection celebrates the rich cultural interconnectedness of Persia, South Asia, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism
CONCEPT:
A celebration of the interconnectedness between Persia, Afghanistan, India, Hinduism, Islam. This design combines pomegranates (my favorite fruit also national fruit of Iran), Persian flowers from miniature paintings, peacock feathers (symbolizing knowledge and beauty in Hinduism, also used as bookmarks for the Holy Quran in Iran and Afghanistan).
The pattern reflects my experience in fashion and textile design, blending cultural elements into a meaningful, modern design.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Made from 100% silk
• 50” x 50” square, 127 cm x 127 cm square
• Print is visible about 50% on the back side
• Each scarf is printed and sewn by hand
• Vivid print that will never fade after washing
• Machine wash in cold water with ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Fill the washing machine with water (no eco cycle).
• Machine dry delicate or hang to dry.
• Can be ironed using the silk setting.
• Do not bleach.
• Can be dry cleaned.
Made to order: This item is produced specifically for you. Please review carefully, as we are unable to offer returns or exchanges.
Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
CONCEPT:
Inspired by traditional Persian patterns found on ancient tiles, I created and hand illustrated a new pattern with modern colors and fabrication.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Made from 100% silk
• 16” x 72”, 40 cm x 182 cm
• Print is visible about 50% on the back side
• Each scarf is printed and sewn by hand
• Vivid print that will never fade after washing
• Machine wash in cold water with ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Fill the washing machine with water (no eco cycle).
• Machine dry delicate or hang to dry.
• Can be ironed using the silk setting.
• Do not bleach.
• Can be dry cleaned.
Made to order: This item is produced specifically for you. Please review carefully, as we are unable to offer returns or exchanges.
Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
CONCEPT:
Lustre Tiles,” dating back to 1100–1400 AD, are preserved in museums worldwide and reflect a remarkable blend of Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu influences, alongside Chinese and Mongol artistry.
Inspired by this rich interconnectedness of faiths and cultures, our Lustre Tile Scarf reimagines these historic motifs as a hand-drawn, illustrated textile pattern—combining ancient beauty with modern design and luxe fabrication.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Made from 100% silk
• 50” x 50” square, 127 cm x 127 cm square
• Print is visible about 50% on the back side
• Each scarf is printed and sewn by hand
• Vivid print that will never fade after washing
• Machine wash in cold water with ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Fill the washing machine with water (no eco cycle).
• Machine dry delicate or hang to dry.
• Can be ironed using the silk setting.
• Do not bleach.
• Can be dry cleaned.
Made to order: This item is produced specifically for you. Please review carefully, as we are unable to offer returns or exchanges.
Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
OUR STORY
Ihsan Ishan Design was founded by Sangeetha Kowsik, a visionary Creative Director, Educator, and Hindu Chaplain, with a mission to unite the world through art and design.
A trailblazer, Sangeetha is a Hindu Indian-American woman and traditionally trained Islamic Arabic calligrapher, the first South Asian to launch a skateboarding brand and the first woman of color to lead a design team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in its 150-year history.
A Parsons School of Design graduate, she has worked extensively in the world of fashion, beauty, luxury, museum sectors having worked for numerous global brands like Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein etc.
Honored as "Chaplain of the Year" by Chelsea Clinton, she lectures on diversity, inclusion, Hinduism, and advocates for greater cultural and faith representation.
Ihsan Ishan Design redefines how design can unite diverse communities, cultures, and faiths, introducing new ideas to build understanding and inspire change.
TESTIMONIALS
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL
I’m Muslim my husband is Hindu. (A customer’s story)
I was raised Muslim and still believe in Islam. My husband was raised Hindu and still maintains his faith. When we discussed faith and it’s place in our lives before we got married we both agreed that we would never force each other’s religion on the other and that we would also respect each other’s religions and continue to learn and educate each other on the values that our religions teach. This piece of art was very special to us. Arabic is the preferred script and language that Islam is taught in. In this work of art, the Hindu deity, Ganesha is created with Arabic calligraphy and the words read “Jai Shri Ganesha”. Ganesha represents wisdom and is the remover of obstacles in Hinduism. His origin story also teaches people that we need to put aside our individual ego and replace it with universal ego. This means that we must think beyond selfish needs and encourage actions that will benefit not only ourselves, but the universe as a whole. We display this art to remind us to remain humble and to welcome education and wisdom into our lives. —Aaliya
“Please keep doing what you are doing! God knows we need this kindness to spread faster than any virus! ”
“Thank you for your beautiful designs, bridging between both Sanskrit and Arabic in a positive way”
“Your work is pretty incredible. Love what you’re doing for Unity too. I’m sick of the divide and your work is not only refreshing but necessary! ”
“Your work is an inspiration! Especially the “melding together” of IhsanIshan (Allah/Shiva)! We pray the tolerance you display in teaching through art will one day become a global reality”
TRADITION MEETS MODERN
TRADITIONAL CALLIGRAPHY WITH
MODERN TOUCHES
QUALITY
PRINTED ON LUXE FABRICS
AND MATERIALS
UNIQUE STORIES
MEANINGFUL CONCEPT BEHIND EVERY PIECE TO LEAD TO UNDERSTANDING
CHARITY
EVERY PURCHASE HELPS
SUPPORT A CHARITY
INSTAGRAM #ihsanishandesign
@ihsan_ishan_design
OUR MISSION : To unite diverse communities, cultures, and faiths through meaningful art and design, sharing unique stories, inspirations, beauty, and education to celebrate what connects us.
