Rug & Kilim’s Block Print Collection: A 17th Century Tradition Reimagined

As seen in Veranda Magazine, September/October 2024. Reprinted with permission of Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Photography by Xavier Béjot. Reprinted with permission of Hearst Magazine Media, Inc.

“Superstars of the Silk Road”

As seen in Veranda Magazine, September/October 2024. Reprinted with permission of Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Photography by Becky Luigart-Stayner (@sunnyhousestudio). Produced by Sara Clark (@saraellisclark). Reprinted with permission of Hearst Magazine Media, Inc.

In the history of textile design, few techniques can boast the rich heritage and enduring appeal of block printing. This ancient craft, which has graced fabrics for millennia, is experiencing a renaissance in the realm of luxury floor coverings. At the forefront of this revival is our latest collection, which marries time-honored traditions with contemporary flair, echoing the timeless elegance as that of Hermès scarves and the bold geometrics of Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian dress.

Block printing, one of the oldest techniques in textile design, has weathered centuries of changing tastes and technologies. Its longevity is a testament to its versatility and appeal. The process, deceptively simple yet infinitely nuanced, involves pressing carved wooden blocks onto fabric to create intricate patterns – a technique that has inspired countless artisans, from the craftsmen of ancient Persia to the printmakers of William Morris’s Arts and Crafts movement.

Block Printing Technique

As empires rose and fell, block printing evolved. Each culture that adopted the technique left its mark, contributing new motifs, colors, and applications. The Persians introduced floral patterns of astounding complexity. The Chinese brought in stylized landscapes and mythical creatures. But, it was in India, under the patronage of the Mughal Empire, that block printing would truly flourish. Block-printed textiles from India were major trade items along the Silk Road and later with European trading companies, influencing global textile design.

The 17th century marked a golden age for block printing in India. The Mughal emperors, with their refined taste and immense resources, commissioned works of such intricacy and beauty that they continue to inspire awe today.

Mughal Miniatures

It is these 17th-century Mughal rug patterns that form the cornerstone of our collection.

These archaic motifs, once the preserve of royal courts, now find new life underfoot in modern homes. It’s a connection that spans centuries, allowing today’s connoisseurs to make their own personal connection to history, much like the way Coco Chanel drew inspiration from Byzantine mosaics for her iconic jewellery designs.

Rug & Kilim’s Block Print Samples

The transition from traditional block printing to contemporary rug design is not merely a change in scale. It’s a reimagining of an art form. Our artisans have taken cues from Mughal miniatures, those exquisite paintings known for their fine detail and vibrant colors, reminiscent of the intricate work displayed in the Islamic Art galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Innovation in textile design often comes down to the interplay of materials. Our block print collection introduces a subtle high-low texture, adding an extra dimension to these already complex designs. This tactile element brings the patterns to life, creating an almost three-dimensional effect that invites both touch and contemplation – a sensory experience akin to running one’s fingers over the textured canvases of Van Gogh.

Rug & Kilim’s Block Print Samples

A blend of wool and silk creates a surface that’s as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye. The wool provides a sturdy, comfortable foundation, while the silk introduces an elegant play of light across the surface.

Explore Rug & Kilim’s Block Print Collection >>

While respecting the historical roots of block printing, our collection is not bound by traditional color schemes. We’ve introduced a wider range of vibrant, contemporary hues that breathe new life into classical patterns. These colors don’t just beautify a space; they enrich it, creating atmospheres that range from serene to energizing.

In all our custom collections, comfort remains paramount. The softness underfoot, the warmth on a cold morning, the gentle give with each step – these tactile pleasures are as much a part of the luxury experience as the visual aesthetics, akin to the sensory delight of refined art. 

This focus on comfort doesn’t compromise the intricacy of the designs. If anything, it enhances them. There’s a unique pleasure in experiencing such detailed artistry through multiple senses – the visual complexity paired with physical comfort creates a holistic luxury experience. 

While our block print collection pays homage to historical techniques, the production process is thoroughly modern. The Jacquard weaving process allows for a level of precision and consistency that would be challenging to achieve with traditional hand-blocking methods, much like how 3D printing has revolutionized the world of haute couture. 

This marriage of old and new results in rugs where each motif is meticulously woven into the fabric. The geometric patterns, florals, and paisleys characteristic of block printing are rendered with exquisite clarity. 

As we look to the future of interior design, it’s clear that there will always be a place for artistry that tells a story. Our block print collection is more than just a series of rugs; it’s a continuation of a narrative that has been unfolding for centuries, much like the evolving exhibits at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

These rugs invite a connection – to history, to craftsmanship, to the very essence of design. 

They're a reminder that in a world of fast fashion and disposable decor, some things are worth preserving, worth reimagining, worth bringing into our most intimate spaces. 
These rugs are destined to become heirlooms, cherished for generations.

In every thread, in every pattern, in every color, these rugs carry forward a legacy. They’re not just floor coverings, but they’re portals to another time and invitations to experience luxury that’s been centuries in the making. This is the power of block printing reimagined – a proof of the enduring allure of an art form that continues to captivate and inspire, as timeless as the Mona Lisa’s smile and as contemporary as the latest exhibition at the Tate Modern.