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 carpet weavers in northern Afghanistan. The resulting collaboration, made of a triptych of carpets, draws you in a poetic and joyful world, portraying 14th century inspired gardens, with lush vegetation reminiscent of the Babur gardens in Kabul, ponds and pavilions in hues of pinks, mauves and tangerine.
THE COLLECTION
Gardens and gardening have long held an integral place in Afghan culture. Inspired by this tradition, Louis has created a triptych of carpets 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 3 carpets and dialogue in harmony with Louis’ designs.
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
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 carpets 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 carpet a characterful abrash 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.
Since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021, women’s rights have been heavily curtailed. This collection draws crucial support for female weavers in Afghanistan, providing a crucial psychological and economic lifeline for over a million women working as carpet weavers in Afghanistan.
Collaborating with world-renowned figures and artists such as Louis, enables cross-cultural dialogues and brings the artisans’ work to a wider audience, allowing us to generate employment for Afghan artisans at a time when economic opportunities are desperately needed in the country.
