We enjoy collecting beautiful textiles, both old and new, and have a selection for hanging in any home.
Suzanis: During our time living in Central Asia, we learned about "suzanis", the embroideries used as large hangings, curtains to separate the sleeping alcove and covers for bedding during the day. A suzani was traditionally embroidered by the women of the family for a girl's dowry. The most prized in our collection were made in the 19th century.
Ikat: The most brilliant creations of the artisans of 19th-century Central Asia were the ikat silks, which were often made into robes and were also used as wall hangings. Ikat is an ancient technique, a method of wrapping yarns to form areas of resist, and then dyeing those sections of yarn before the weaving of a cloth begins. Traditional Uzbek ikats were symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige. In addition to the old pieces, in our store we have examples of new ikats from Uzbekistan, with silk embroidery and natural dyes.
Hunza needlepoint: We sell wall hangings and cushions made with spectacular natural dyes, giving the products a great beauty. They are the result of a development project in Hunza in the north of Pakistan, to give the village women a source of income. Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of the Agha Khan, and he has financed this project. We are most happy to support their efforts by selling the needlepoint items, made with 100 percent natural wool and vegetable dyes.
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