Observer was born to equip you to see the world. Now I think it is time to share some of the special things we have seen.
As Russia battered Ukrainian cities this winter, the coldest in 20 years, electrical grids failed across the country. Homes sat in freezing darkness for weeks at a time while power plants burned across the country. Ukrainians, adaptive as always, found a solution in their cultural past: Intricate, vibrant, and above all insulating traditional Ukrainian carpets re-emerged to cover the walls, floors, beds and ceilings of modern homes.
I was enamored with the beauty, craft, and history of these tapestries instantly. Babushka baroque just can’t be beat.
These hand woven flat weave treasures are a rare cultural craft that has survived decades of oppression and the homogenizing forces of modernity. They are made of symbols, myths, humor and strength as much as wool and cotton. They are almost always woven at home, on hand powered looms. Their vibrant scenes speak to the frigid months clinging to the promise of spring, and the hope for peace.
While these tapestries offer infinite variety, they share a canon of symbols, many Christian, many pre-Christian, and many, many flowers. Some detail entire spring scenes, or chapters of myth and song. They offer an insulative ability against both cold and heat, and like all tapestries, signaled both a household of taste and plenty.
Ukrainian tapestries are the usual decor for village hattas, and many a tired soldier, or lost journalist has found their comfort alongside the robust hospitality of Ukrainians along the frontline. I’ve bought dozens of these carpets across Ukraine to furnish Observer HQ, and I am now offering some of these to you. I hope they will serve as a reminder of Ukrainian sovereignty in your own home.
When used as carpets “Carpathian Carpets” work best with a carpet-mat underneath. Most feature rear mounting to apply to a wall easily. Each carpet is entirely unique, and have been found in immaculately well-kept, albeit used conditions.
You can see the Carpathian Carpets we have currently available here
looking forward,
Robert
