Hand-knotted Carpet Weaving with Open Studio
Open Studio is an intensive two-week program which provides insight behind the scenes of commercial carpetry (the craft of hand-knotted carpet and rug weaving), so as to inform a new cohort of designers, creatives, salespeople, and the so inclined about the connections between craft, commerce, and design. Zekö Designs and Karnor Carpets have enlisted Michael Christie, The Ruggist, to guide and instruct the program as participants create designs which are then translated into maquettes which they then follow through the finishing process.
Since carpet weaving was brought to Nepal by Tibetan refugees in the mid-twentieth century, carpetry has largely been a commercial concern. With manufactories historically centred around the Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu, the industry is renowned for producing bespoke and customised orders for a global upmarket clientele. Largely designed by creatives outside of Nepal these designs represent the state of the craft of carpetry, yet there is a degree of opacity clouding sales and making.
Since carpet weaving was brought to Nepal by Tibetan refugees in the mid-twentieth century, carpetry has largely been a commercial concern. With manufactories historically centred around the Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu, the industry is renowned for producing bespoke and customised orders for a global upmarket clientele. Largely designed by creatives outside of Nepal these designs represent the state of the craft of carpetry, yet there is a degree of opacity clouding sales and making.
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