FRANCESCA GENTILLI

Specialises in beautiful vintage and bespoke rugs and textiles. All handmade by artisans from Morocco, India, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Peru using ancient hand looming techniques.

 
 

MOROCCO

In Morocco every carpet tells a tale. From the monochromatic Beni Ourains to the intricate Zemmour Kilims, the country's weavings are both a narrative art form and a necessity against the elements.

These rugs are handmade by Berber tribes across the Atlas Mountains, usually by women. While some document a personal experience, others carry a more ancestral message passed down over time. The life rituals of Berber women, including fertility, birth, and the protective role of men, are driving narratives.

 
 

INDIA

Dhurries have been woven in India for centuries and we are delighted to continue this traditional craft with our modern designs.

The dhurrie is all about colour. At it's simplest it was a multi purpose textile used as floor coverings and bedding, whilst at it's most elaborate - woven with the finest fibres and enhanced by gold - it graced the palaces of royalty.

Our dhurrie rugs bring style and personality to contemporary or traditional interiors.

From the initial dying of the cotton to the weaving, each rug passes though 20 pairs of hands from start to finish. Our artisans weave a few inches by hand each day until the beautiful dhurrie is complete.

- a real labour of love!

 
 

 turkey

The term kilim refers to a traditional type of flat weave rug which trace their origins to Turkey and its surrounding areas. They have no pile and instead are weft-faced textiles and the tactile nature of kilims is integral to their nature.

Kilims have historically been used for both decorative and prayer purposes, are noted for their regional differences and their prevalence within nomadic Anatolian cultures.

 
 

 UZBEKISTAN

A suzani is a hand-embroidered textile from Uzbekistan and is recognised as one of the most ancient types of needlework. The word comes from the Persian word suzan, which means needle.

Originating from nomadic tribes in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, suzanis have become highly collectable and valued for their beautiful decoration and fine craftsmanship.

The primary use of a suzani was for inside the yurt as a protective wrapping panel for textiles and belongings. They were also used as prayer mats, as bed sheets and for seating. In present times they work best as a wall hanging or for upholstery.

 
 

PERU

Our frazadas are sourced from villages around Cuzco high in the Peruvian Andes. Using ancient techniques, artisans take about a month to complete just one frazada. Made from sheep's wool and coloured with natural dyes they are luxuriously thick and each one is unique in colour, texture and design.

Frazadas are wonderfully versatile textiles that can be used as rugs, throws, bed coverings, picnic blankets or even wall hangings.

 

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