Good Things from Seema

[Pillows by Seema Krish. Example above is hand-block-printed and hand-embroidered cotton, and the pillow below is woven. Both have silk zip pulls.]

I'm only part way through Nada Chaldecott's book, Dhurries, but she has opened my eyes to a world of rhythmic patterns beyond the iconic stripes I already love. And now, thanks to a tip from textile designer Seema Krish, I've added another dhurrie edition to my wishlist: Dhurrie: Flatwoven Rugs of India by Shyam Ahuja.

Like Chaldecott's comprehensive work, this volume also shines a light on rugs that have been less appreciated than their knotted pile carpet cousins. When I Googled Ahuja searching for past reviews, I came across a related 1980s Times piece on the rise of the humble Indian dhurrie. 

[Image courtesy Seema Krish.]

Seema's own work, shown here at the top, is informed by her Indian heritage and she has an impressive textile-related library, so I listen when she recommends a book. To learn more about her studio and collection, click here and here.

Related past posts: Soft Focus and Continuing the Thread. And a friendly reminder: LACMA's lavish exhibition, India’s Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow, closes in five days on February 27th.