THE STORY
THE COLLABORATION
This January we are launching a new collection of 5 limited edition carpets. Each piece has been designed by Christopher Le Brun and handmade by a team of weavers in northern Afghanistan. The collection is the result of a collaboration between Christopher Le Brun and ISHKAR.
Photo (c) Maureen M Evans in the FT How to Spend It
THE COURTS AND FIELDS COLLECTION
The collection is comprised of 5 hand-knotted carpets, designed by Christopher Le Brun. Each carpet is a limited edition of 5.
If you would like more information on the carpets, or would like to see samples in person, please do get in touch: contact@ishkar.com
Photo (c) Maureen M Evans in the FT How to Spend It
THE PROCESS
Each of these carpets are hand-knotted, taking a team of two weavers approximately four months to make. Every stage in the carpet making process is done by hand, from spinning the wool, to making the dyes, to finally weaving, washing and shearing the carpet down to its supple finish.
THE WEAVERS
Carpet weaving is at the heart of Afghanistan’s heritage but four decades of conflict have isolated the artisans from the rest of the world. We partner with NGOs on the ground to ensure a comprehensive set of fair trade standards, including good working and living conditions, fair wages, the prohibition of child labour, and environmentally friendly production.
These carpets will generate employment for Afghan artisans at a time when economic opportunities are desperately needed in the country.
THE WOOL
The carpets are hand-knotted using Ghazni wool, a variety of wool unique to Afghanistan known for its luxuriant finish as well as its unique way of absorbing colour which gives the carpets Abrash - the technical term used to describe the mottled effect given by each strand of wool's subtle variation of colour.
