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A tiered cake-shaped area rug with a wavy scalloped pattern in shades of dusty pink, terracotta red, and dark burgundy, isolated on a white background.
A pink and red patterned area rug spread across a wooden floor in a modern room with large angled windows and dark wood frames, showing an outdoor view of trees.
A pair of pink and red patterned rugs laid out on a dark tiled floor in a styled room setting with a wooden chest, lamp, and framed art.
A close-up of a textured area rug with abstract organic shapes in red, pink, and tan, shown on a dark wood parquet floor.
A close-up of a textured area rug with abstract organic shapes in pink, red, and brown, shown next to a dark brown parquet floor.

Cake Hand-knotted Rug

Sale price £20,000.00
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Cake is inspired by a sketch from a series of drawings made by Afghan weavers for Louis Barthélemy’s 2024 collaboration with ISHKAR. Centred around the Babur Garden of Kabul, the weavers were asked to draw elements evoking happy memories associated with the park. The recurring symbol of the cake appeared as a symbol of celebration, birthdays and joyful gatherings, perhaps picnics in the garden. 

For this anniversary collection, the beautiful tiered cake drawing was adapted into a rug, playing with its elevation, combining wool and silk to create a joyful harmony of colours. The result is intentionally playful and almost naïve, with pinks and reds reminiscent of berries, strawberries and sugar icing. Although the image is simple, the rug is technically quite challenging and requires great precision and dexterity in hand-knotting.

Hand-knotted Ghazni wool & Herati silk. Open edition.
A tiered cake-shaped area rug with a wavy scalloped pattern in shades of dusty pink, terracotta red, and dark burgundy, isolated on a white background.
Cake Hand-knotted Rug Sale price £20,000.00
A pair of pink and red patterned rugs laid out on a dark tiled floor in a styled room setting with a wooden chest, lamp, and framed art.
A close-up of a textured area rug with abstract organic shapes in red, pink, and tan, shown on a dark wood parquet floor.
A close-up of a textured area rug with abstract organic shapes in pink, red, and brown, shown next to a dark brown parquet floor.
A pink and red patterned area rug spread across a wooden floor in a modern room with large angled windows and dark wood frames, showing an outdoor view of trees.

Louis Barthélemy

Louis Barthélemy is an illustrator, textile designer and artist who divides his time between Cairo, Paris and Marrakech . At the core of his creative process is a deep commitment to the preservation and revival of traditional craftsmanship. Louis collaborates with artisans around the world with the aim of ensuring the continuation of their expertise through future generations.

The 10th Anniversary collection

In celebration of ISHKAR's 10th anniversary, we have invited 10 artists and designers to interpret the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan by designing a carpet each, which have all been handmade by master weavers in Afghanistan. 
The artists were each designers to each asked to create a unique rug design exploring the theme of “Togetherness”, in celebration of connection - across borders, cultures, and creative practices. 

10% of all sales will support the vital work of EMERGENCY hospitals in Afghanistan, providing free, high-quality care to people affected by conflict and poverty.

The Weavers

Situated at the heart of the ancient silk road, for millennia Afghanistan has been known for making some of the finest rugs in the world. Since 2016 ISHKAR has worked with master weavers in Afghanistan to produce luxurious rugs which marry traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Every step of the production process is made by hand, from the spinning and dyeing of the wool, to the trimming, binding and washing of the rug. Each piece has its own individual character and bears the distinct mark of the artisans who brought it to life.

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. 

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Fairtrade Partnership

ISHKAR is a certified Label STEP Fair Trade Partner. Label STEP's comprehensive fair trade standards encompass universal human rights, including the prohibition of child labour; working conditions; fair wages and eco-friendly production.

As a Certified STEP Fair Trade Partner, ISHKAR commits to independent audits throughout the supply chain. Through these combined efforts, ISHKAR and STEP reinforce industry sustainability and ethical standards, and help preserve centuries-old artisanal skills. 

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Need expert guidance?

Whether you are looking to find out more about our production lead times and processes, seeking advice on the best rug to choose for your kitchen, or are looking to design a bespoke carpet, our team are happy to help with your enquiry. Read our FAQs here.

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