Date:21/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/10/21/stories/2005102103620600.htm

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Brilliant in silk and wool

PUSHPA CHARI

From carpets and furniture to wall hangings, jewellery and paintings, this display has it all.

GORGEOUS FROM KASHMIR: Mughal-inspired.

Kafka, Joshdan, Purdah, Bokhara, Kum, Tabriz, Nain and Isphahan are evocative names. Their brilliant weaves and harmony in colours speak of the best in Kashmir's handknotted carpets. These are currently on view at the exhibition-cum-sale of Carpets and Handcrafted Furniture, 27 (Old 19B) Chaimers Road, Nandanam.

The carpets in silk and wool come in various sizes. Many are vegetable-dyed with motifs that range from the traditional, geometrical designs to flowers, birds, Mughal-inspired hunting scenes or the stunning symmetry of a Persian-style Bokhara.

Unique

Sourced from Kashmir, the collection includes antique carpets as well. Some are even reproductions of those found in European museums. There are Mirzapur dhurries woven out of New Zealand wool. They have abstract and tribal motifs. The chain-stitch wall hangings, a variety of Pashmina shawls and striking Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings are also on display. Ravi Verma reproductions are also available. For furniture buffs, there is a choice of antique Raj period whatnots, bars and chest drawers in rosewood. Superb Rajasthani embroidered wall hanging or avant garde contemporary silver jewellery in turquoise, amethyst or coral, chain-stitch leather handbag, or a colonial rosewood roll top writing desk, the exhibition has it all. For those interested in traditional craft processes, carpet weavers from Kashmir demonstrate the art of weaving handknotted carpets.