Doshi Levien: Rabari / 110

Designed by Doshi Levien for Nanimarquina, the Rabari rug collection conjures up the brightly coloured and sensual world of traditional Indian weaving.

The Rabari collection designed by Doshi Levien for Nanimarquina comprises three pieces made of New Zealand wool, hand-woven in India using the sumak technique.

As well as their beautifully bright colours, the rugs boast great and sensual graphic rhythm and design.

The designers say: “We had in mind intricately handcrafted embroideries made by the Nomadic community of the Rabaris from the Kutch region. Nipa’s aunt had an amazing embroidery workshop in Ahmedabad, with 25 high-skilled craftswomen, who were all experts in hand-embroidery, working with glistening mirrors, silk, cotton thread and metallic sequins amongst other non-precious materials. The women sat together on rugs on the floor...

Doshi Levian, Rabari, Nanimarquina — Doshi Levien, Rabari, Nanimarquina

Often collaborating in groups, the intricate embroideries took several days to complete. We wanted our collaboration with Nani Marquina to reference the unfinished embroideries, like studies of the different techniques in progress, as they gradually emerge over time. The spontaneous compositions of the rugs embody the freedom to improvise inherent in each step of a handmade piece: joyful, irreverent and unique”.