A Timeless Thread: The Enduring Legacy of Card Weaving
Ancient Origins
Card weaving boasts a rich history in Iran, stretching back to the late 3rd millennium or early 2nd millennium BC. Archaeological evidence unearthed by Roland Demecquenem and Georges Contenau, in the form of ivory and pottery tablets, supports this claim.
Professor Pope's Classification:
Professor Pope, in his book, delves deeper by classifying the oldest known card weavings (19th century AD) into two distinct categories: nomadic and decorative. Nomadic weavings, crafted from mohair, hand-spun wool, and linen, showcase a captivating collection of human, animal, and geometric motifs in black, white, and red. Decorative weavings, on the other hand, exhibit intricate elegance and high-quality threads, likely intended for dignitaries attending special ceremonies.
Evolving Designs and Regional Variations:
While designs are inherently subjective, a shift has occurred over time. Traditionally, zigzag and V-shaped motifs dominated. Today, weavers tend to favor round and oval shapes. This handcrafted art flourishes across Iran with diverse regional names: Pan weaving in Qazvin, Madakhle weaving in Khorasan and Lorestan, Varis weaving in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari, and simply card weaving in Aliabad Katul.
The Kalat Collection: A Delicate Legacy
The Kalat collection, meticulously crafted by women from north Khorasan, stands out for its delicate texture achieved with cotton and spool threads. Primarily used for clothing embellishment, this unique form of card weaving employs specific traditional motifs like Chilichap (signifying “side”) and Barchak (featuring repeated diagonal lines) with subtle variations.
Preserving and Reviving a Tradition:
This collection embodies a mission to safeguard a centuries-old art form and its cultural significance. By integrating traditional knowledge and expertise with contemporary design, the Kalat collection aims to breathe new life into card weaving, ensuring its timeless beauty continues to captivate future generations.
KALAT BAG
The shopping bag is designed in Milan, entirely hand-made with high-quality materials. It is designed timeless, lightweight and easy to carry.
