More colour for every home
There is a story behind every rug… A conversation with Maison Rhizomes colourist, Perrine Blaise.
Interviewed by: Mafalda Guimaraes
I recently had the pleasure of catching up with expert colourist and textile designer, Perrine Blaise. Perrine collaborates with Maison Rhizomes, helping artist Charlotte Culot transform her original artwork into unique, hand-knotted rugs.
“I met Charlotte Culot in 2018 by serendipity, when we realized that our respective thoughts were heading in a common direction.. - which was to do something together. The strength of the compositions and the power of the colours immediately inspired me to adapt them into rugs.”
A timeless tradition
I’m instantly impressed by Perrine’s knowledge of the century-old rug production craft as well as her passion and dedication for her work. She explains that the beauty of a hand-knotted rugs lies not only in it’s design but also in an ability to withstand the test of time. These rugs are passed down from generation to generation and become an integral part of a family's history. They are a timeless piece that adds elegance into any space.
“A hand-knotted rug is the result of a technique passed down for centuries, and the knowledge of weavers is transmitted from generation to generation. The quality of the materials used and the knotting technique give it excellent durability. The encounter between centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary creation makes these rugs unique.”
I learn that the first hand-knotted rugs were believed to have originated in Central Asia around the 5th Century BC. Nomadic shepherds wove textiles to protect themselves from the cold. Over the centuries, techniques and styles developed throughout Asia. The tradition of carpet making in Nepal increased with the immigration of Tibetans after China invaded Tibet, giving rise to the Tibetan knotting technique. Eversince it has been a crucial element in the country’s cultural tradition.
It becomes clear that hand-knotted rugs are a true work of art and represent a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
A dedicated process
Once Perrine provided me with a short history on the art of hand-knotted rug making, I was keen to learn more about the production process of these unique pieces. Her passion is contagious and she explains,
“Every new project is an adventure and all the steps are important and interesting.”
I'm told that the rug-making process involves creating a mock-up, finding the right proportions, deciding on the correct technique and heights, dyeing the fibres and lastly hand-knotting the rug by artisans in Nepal.
Perrine tells me her favourite part in the production process of hand-knotted rugs is the development of the colourways and the dyeing process – however she's quick to assure me that each step holds equal levels of importance.
When I ask Perrine if there have been any advances to this century-old production process in recent years, she explains that while design software has enhanced the developement of intricare and elaborate designs, the main part of the creation process is still manual.
"The technique remains an example of unique patience and know how, consisting of knotting thousands of knots one by one, with weavers working side by side in impressive coordination."
The intensely meticulous process of these hand-crafted pieces begins to feel like an odysse – with initial design ideas originating in lavender infused Provence and later coming to life in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
A rug with a story
Every detail in a hand-knotted rug has been carefully planned, from it’s colour intensity to the quality of the fibre used. Maison Rhizomes uses Tibetan wool from the Himalayas, blended with the highest quality of Chinese silk.
When I ask Perrine, what makes a hand-knotted rug singular and memorable in it’s nature, she tells me, “The contact with a unique piece entirely made by hand, the touch, the suppleness, and the elegance.”
An unwavering passion for her craft and commitment to creating unique and sustainable rugs is a reflection of the company's culture and unique offering. Perrine let me into her world of colour – giving me an account of the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that goes into each one of these hand-knotted rugs.
The collaboration between Chalotte Culot’s artistic vision and Perrine’s colour expertise, result in truly unique pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Maison Rhizomes’ hand-knotted rugs are the result of this dynamic partnership – brining warmth, colour and a little bit of century old of history into your home.