THE STORY
THE COLLABORATION
Combining their shared values of commitment to craftsmanship, ISHKAR commissioned multidisciplinary artist Louis Barthélemy to create a series of designs to be translated by a team of weavers in northern Afghanistan. The resulting collaboration, made of a triptych of hand-knotted rugs, draws you in a poetic and joyful world, portraying 14th century inspired gardens, with lush vegetation reminiscent of the Babur gardens in Kabul.
THE COLLECTION
Gardens and gardening have long held an integral place in Afghan culture. Inspired by this tradition, Louis has created a triptych of rugs around the theme of “garden of paradise”. A creative correspondence was initiated with the weavers, who provided drawings interpreting the same theme. The results were subtly merged within the three rugs and dialogue in harmony with Louis’ designs.
If you would like more information on the rugs , or would like to see samples in person, please do get in touch: contact@ishkar.com
THE PROCESS
Each of these rugs are hand-knotted, taking a team of two weavers approximately four months to make. Every stage in the rug making process is done by hand, from spinning the wool, to making the dyes, to finally weaving, washing and shearing the rug down to its supple finish.
The rugs are hand-knotted using Ghazni wool, a variety unique to Afghanistan known for its luxuriant finish as well as its unique way of absorbing colour giving each rug a characterful abrash finish.
