Colour with a hint of the exotic is back in a big way, and honestly what could be more uplifting when trying to fight the winter blahs. Perfect timing to introduce you to RAJBOORI!
A collaborative effort by American Industrial Designer Stephen Burks of Readymade Projects and Canadian home textile industry veteran, Mitun Chakrabarti, RAJBOORI (and their gorgeous MILON Coverlets!) first caught my eye on Modern Echo. I was instantly drawn in by the deep saturated colours and silky textures.
I was intrigued, as they are truly unique and look like nothing else I’ve seen in modern bedding. Upon further investigation, I learned why RAJBOORI’s stunning pieces have that luxe and regal quality, and why we absolutely had to feature their designs on Modern Karibou.
RAJBOORI designs are made of Peace Silk and if you’re not familiar with this type of silk (I know I wasn’t), or with how silk is produced, you might be interested in what follows. You will also get a rare glimpse into how silk is actually weaved, and by some of the best weavers in the world.
Excerpts from RAJBOORI...
RAJBOORI Artisans & Processes
Why is PEACE SILK the most ECO-FRIENDLY silk?
Peace Silk is made from the cocoons of wild or semi-wild silkworms found exclusively in India. Unlike other commercially available silks, in this case the silkworm is allowed to live out its full life cycle. Instead of stifling the pupae to obtain reeled yarn, the silk is degummed and spun like other fiber. The resulting yarn is soft, fluffy, and light with a texture similar to cotton mixed with wool. This is the best silk for warmth and therapeutic use. It is rare and not readily commercially available. The fabric is meticulously handcrafted by expert artisans into desired patterns and weaves.
The Magic of Weaving
Our debut collection uses an intricate and geometric pattern that is woven in a jacquard weave. These jacquards are woven in rare looms that have ten paddles that need to be monitored each step of the way to ensure accuracy of the pattern. There are only a few looms that can produce this particular pattern of jacquard. Only a few master weavers are privy to the intricate knowledge of weaving this jacquard pattern and this skill is handed over exclusively to members of the family. The process of weaving this pattern is time consuming; it takes about 15 days just to set up the loom for this type of weave.
Once the Peace Silk yarn is dyed in organic dyes and is ready to be woven, the master weaver sets up the loom with the accurate warp and weft setting. With constant and meticulous attention involving guiding the loom with their hands in a perfect rhythm, the fabric is woven with the pattern using the various colors that were selected for the designs.
To get the desired softness and lustre, another set of artisans beat the woven silk with hammers made out of tamarind wood.
The Magicians - Weavers
With our patronage and similar patronage from other socially conscious textile manufacturers, the new generation of weavers is getting more involved in the trade of their forefathers. This is gravely needed to sustain this weaver community and their trade. Mohammad Abbas Ansar is our master weaver who’s 60 yrs old and has now handed over his expertise to his son, Mohammad Sajjar, who’s only 20 but is already highly skilled and manages the family business. Their family has been practicing this ancient art for almost 200 years.
The women of the house also work on making the bobbins for the yarn that goes into making the woven jacquards. In this village, the loom is the key piece of furniture in almost every home.
Creating the Collection
Our amazing and unique collection of home textiles would not have been possible without the dedication and meticulous attention to detail from not only the weavers but also the artisans who worked on the stitching. Hussein and his team of skilled artisans worked with great enthusiasm on these highly technical and innovative designs. A minor mistake in sticthing the wrong patch would result in completely ruining the entire design. Thus, attention to detail was very critical in the whole process.
The designs being very geometric required careful calculation of the amount of fabric needed and the cutting of each triangle to size by hand. It was like watching someone put together a colourful puzzle. RAJBOORI quilts, coverlets, and pillows consist of pieces that have to be cut precisely in the right sizes and then stitched together to create the contemporary design that we now see in the final product.
More RAJBOORI products can be viewed and ordered here.
