‘Indore’ – A new rug collection of London-based designer Francis Sultana’s is hand-knotted near Varanasi and Nepal
Known for merging art and architecture in his London-based studio, interior designer Francis Sultana’s new rug collection titled ‘Indore’ is an ode to India’s rich craftsmanship.
Drawing inspiration from the lavish courts of Maharajas in India and influenced by Art Deco, Sultana’s collection is a fusion of European style and Far Eastern weaving techniques.
The collection mixes graphic patterns with solar and pastel hues, weaving a harmonious tapestry of natural and luxurious materials. Each hand-knotted weave captures the mystique of artisanal craftsmanship.
He designed three of the Indore rugs in wool and silk (Eugène, Elisabeth, Evelyne), and a fourth in linen and silk (Eloïse).
Hand-knotted at two workshops—one in Nepal and the other in Uttar Pradesh, near Varanasi—the collection highlights three different weaving techniques. The boldness of the colours stands in contrast to the simplicity of the patterns in the collection.
The collection, which is said to be hand made in Perisa with flat-knot techniques of India, Nepal and Tibet, was launched at Paris’s Galerie Diurne.
With a reputation to embellish the high end residential, hospitality, and commercial design, Francis is celebrated for linking architecture with traditional arts.
According to the designer, “Indore is not your average rug, it’s a rug with character!” It’s a masterpiece hand-knotted in Nepal and Benaras, featuring Persian, Tibetan, and flat knots.
“For this collection, inspiration stems from the Art Deco and the beauty of materials and weaving techniques from the Far East, especially by the golden age of the Maharajas in India which were inspired by this very European style to build and furnish their palaces,” asserts Francis.
Photographs by Vincent Leroux
