Ikat is one of the oldest resist-dye traditions in textile history. The technique is to bind sections of yarn before dyeing, so the dye does not penetrate the bound passages, and then weave the partially-dyed yarn into a cloth where the figures emerge with the soft blurred edge that gives ikat its name in Indonesian, meaning to bind. This rug carries the ikat figure into a hand-knotted rug format, with sari silk as the pile.

Two weavers worked this 5' x 8' (152 x 244 cm) loom in India for about four months. The pile is reclaimed sari silk, sourced from the cutting waste of the sari trade, hand-cleaned and respun before knotting. The cotton foundation supports the silk weight; after weaving the rug was sheared close to the foundation so the silk lustre reads at room distance.

The composition

An ivory ground holds blurred ikat figures in soft taupe and pale beige, with the soft rust accents that the recycled silk supplies in irregular passages. The silk catches and releases light as you move around the rug, giving the field a quiet animation that wool does not produce. The blurred edges of the figures are the visual signature of true resist dyeing, here imitated through batch dyeing of the silk before knotting.

What you are buying

Hand-knotted sari silk rugs at this size are priced at two to four times this MSRP in Western markets. The fibre is recycled, the labour is not. A silk pile gains lustre with use; the rug appreciates rather than depreciating. Compare against an antique Caucasian ikat or a contemporary hand-loomed silk piece and the value sits clearly with the rug in your shopping cart.

The piece in a room

5' x 8' (152 x 244 cm) anchors a primary bedroom against a queen bed, a study, or a small sitting room with two-seat upholstery. The ivory palette is light enough to brighten a room with darker walls, and quiet enough to recede in a room with strong art on the walls. Pairs with linen, with oak and walnut, with brass lamps. Silk lustre reads best in a room with mixed natural and warm electric light.

Conservation

Vacuum weekly on the lowest suction setting only; never use a beater bar on silk. Blot spills immediately with a clean white cotton cloth. Use felt pads under furniture legs that sit on the rug. Hand-wash by a silk-trained conservator every five years. With this care the ivory ground holds its tone and the silk holds its lustre.

Reference

• Medium: hand-knotted reclaimed sari silk on cotton foundation
• Dimensions: 152 x 244 cm (5' x 8')
• Construction: asymmetric knot
• Hands: 2 weavers, ~4 months
• Pile: low, sari silk
• Origin: India

Free UK delivery. 14-day returns. Authentic hand-knotted craftsmanship.