Waste Knot – The Art Of The Zindekh exhibition 2019 (2 new items)
Exhibition at Larusi - January 2019
Our new studio space was launched with an exhibition of Zindekh mats. The exhibition was very well received and announced with a feature in the World of Interiors by Ros Byam Shaw introducing these unique pieces to the UK.
Press coverage of the exhibition:
World of Interiors
Happy Scraps, by Ros Byam Shaw
From blue plastic sacking to bits of old twine, anything and everything can be turned into a zindekh to zhoosh up a dimly lit mud house in Morocco's Middle Atlas mountains. But for the dwindling band of Berbers who still make them, these joyous mats are not only an exercise in frugality and recycling - they're often a lifeline too. Now, thanks to Souad Larusi, the woman who triggered the trend for Beni Ourain rugs, change could be underfoot for the indigent weavers. Their tufted wares put a smile on Ros Byam Shaw's face.
Twenty years ago, Souad Larusi single-handedly sparked a fashion for a particular style of Moroccan rugs. Though a native of the country herself, born and brought up in Fez, she first spotted them in books belonging to her husband, a Dutch architect, in old photographs of the interiors of seminal Modernist houses. 'I had never seen them for sale in Morocco,' she says. 'And I have no idea how architects like Alvar Aalto or Le Corbusier got hold of them.' Thickly tufted, monochrome and with simple, irregular patterns of dark often zigzag lines on pale creamy backgrounds, the rugs were made as dowries, and most stayed in the remote mountain villages where they were handwoven by the women of the Beni Ourain tribe ( Wol March 2003 ).
Souad decided they were what she wanted to insulate the wooden floors of the Victorian house in north London she and her husband had just bought. She set about finding them, visiting village markets in the Middle Atlas mountains, until she stumbled across someone who could source them. She bought enough rugs for her own house, and more, and decided to see if she could sell them back in London. Her business, Larusi, has since become well known for authentic vintage and bespoke Berber rugs, and more recently for other textiles with a handmade feel.
Souad has always sourced stock herself, travelling, making contacts, forming friendships and paying fair prices. She can tell you the life stories of the Berber families she buys from. 'This man built his own house, not with traditional mud but with breezeblocks. These people had to move because their house was about to collapse. That beautiful 15-year-old girl left school, and now works as a maid. Sadly, most of the young people are leaving the mountain villages,' she says. 'Old skills and crafts are dying out.’
One of those dwindling skills is carpet weaving, another is the crafting of small mats, known as zindekhs. 'These are also made by women, nowadays usually the older women,' says Souad. 'They use them as door mats, or folded up to sit on. Unlike traditional rugs made from valuable wool, these use rubbish - scraps of worn-out clothing, including underwear, unravelled jumpers, bits of string and plastic twine, packing materials - all hooked through a foundation of used plastic grain and flour sacks. You don't need a loom, just a special needle. Perhaps because they cost nothing to make except time, the patterns are inventive and spontaneous, and because the materials are modern, often synthetic, the colours are really bright, sometimes even neon or glittery.'
A traditional Beni Ourain rug is made from the finest, most lustrous wool, lovingly collected over months and years from sheep that graze high in the mountains. No dyes are used, and designs are handed down from one generation to the next. Zindekhs could not be more different. Free from the constraints of tradition, and with a· paintbox of modern chemical dyes with which to play, women indulge themselves with riots of cheerful colour and pat-tern. 'Their designs can reflect anything, from their moods and aspirations - the house they would like to live in - to motifs from the local environment,' says Souad. 'Sometimes you will see the domed outline of a mosque, sometimes stylised trees, rivers, flowers and animals. They might put in a hand of Fatima, as a charm against the evil eye. Or they may come up with something completely abstract that looks like a modern painting.' While dowry rugs are sold only out of necessity- a drought some years ago forced farmers to raise cash to feed their animals, for example - these mats are not treated as such treasured possessions. Souad found people willing to sell several at once. 'I have now collected about 30 of them, all completely different and original,' she says. 'I want to highlight their beauty, so I am displaying them in a selling exhibition. Used as wall hangings they look so contemporary. The women who make them may have had no education, or contact with the outside world, and yet they have this tremendous creativity. Zindekhs are a genuine, unselfconscious means of self-expression for them.' Made entirely from bits and pieces no one wants and ingeniously transformed into something useful and desirable, they are also brilliant examples of imaginative recycling. 'I am always fascinated by how materials are kept and reinvented in these remote villages,' says Souad. 'People will hang old plastic sacking across their doors, make it into shower curtains and cushion covers, or storage bags that they will hang on hooks on the wall. Necessity is the mother of invention. If you can't afford to buy things, you make them, and waste nothing,' she explains. 'My mother has this same attitude. She brought up six of us, supporting us by working as a master embroiderer, making wedding veils, ceremonial babouches, kaftans. Even now she never throws a piece of fabric away if she thinks she could make something out of it, whether an old cushion or a worn-out apron. She has even made tote bags from the plastic packaging of my rugs.'
The Beni Ourain rugs that were Souad's first retail success have become such a popular interiors accessory that originals are now a rarity. And as so often happens when fashion gets a hold, the market has been flooded with copies. 'I walk round the medina in Marrakesh and see them everywhere,' says Souad. The quality is not good, and many have been treated with harmful chemicals.' 'Upcycling' is a more recent fashion, and also open to abuse. These bold, vivid splashes of what Souad evocatively calls 'chaotic beauty' are the genuine article. Like the rag rugs and patchwork quilts our ancestors used to make from clothes that were no longer wearable, they are a timely reminder that there are better things to do with rubbish than pile it up in holes in the ground, or let it wash into the sea ■
Runners (1 new item)
Runners
Found Objects
Found Objects
Shawls
Shawls
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Cushions
Larusi has long been a mecca for high-quality antique and bespoke Berber rugs, now also for gorgeous linen bedding with that slept-in look- World of Interiors. We sources tribal rugs and textiles worldwide; from Morocco original Berber rugs, Kilims, Beni Ouarain, Azilal and Boucherouite.
Shawls Feature
Shawls
Woven from the softest wool, these versatile reversible shawls in muted colours are the ideal winter and travel companions. They also bring an instant layer of warmth and colour to your sofa or bed. Available in three colour ways. Each shawl is created by diagonally stitching two double sided coloured panels together. The edges are intentionally left unfinished to create a raw and relaxed feel.
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Throws
Larusi has long been a mecca for high-quality antique and bespoke Berber rugs, now also for gorgeous linen bedding with that slept-in look- World of Interiors.
Throws Featured
Throws
Contact
Studio 18, The Dove Centre,
109 Bartholomew Rd,
London NW5 2BJ, UK
Our studio is on the 2nd floor of the Dove Centre, a Victorian warehouse building with a rear courtyard for client parking.
Stair access only.
+44 20 7150 9910
info@larusi.com
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Runners
These long, narrow rugs often used in a hallway or along a side board also look great in bedrooms beside or at the foot of the bed. The collection includes both pile rugs and kilims as well as rare Tuareg runners.
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Kilim
Versatile and robust flatweaves, characterized by intricate textures and geometric designs crafted in natural materials.
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Pile Rugs
Soft and comforting rugs made of knotted pile in unadulterated natural wool made by the best weavers of Morocco, Turkey and beyond. The collection includes Berber Beni Ouarain rugs made of undyed white and brown or black sheeps wool. Colourful Berber rugs from tribes of the Middle and High Atlas, but also stunning lush pile Anatolian pile Tulu rugs.
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Zindekhs
Decorative textiles hung on walls do not have to be embroidered tapestries, see our collection of unique moroccan Zindekhs. (link to Journal article)
Found Objects Featured (1 new item)
Found Objects
It’s opposites that create the magic! Juxtaposing something old with something new instantly adds interests and depth to an interior. Our found objects are a collection of carefully selected vintage treasures that celebrate craftsmanship and tradition, they all have a wonderful time worn patina and simplicity.
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Sale
Larusi has long been a mecca for high-quality antique and bespoke Berber rugs, now also for gorgeous linen bedding with that slept-in look- World of Interiors. We sources tribal rugs and textiles worldwide; from Morocco original Berber rugs, Kilims, Beni Ouarain, Azilal and Boucherouite.
Press Intro
Press
Vintage Boucherouite Rag Rug
Ref: 2492/BOU
Dimensions: 105cm x 226cm
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Shipping Information
Vintage Beni Ouarain Pile Rug
Ref: 2236/BO
Dimensions: 197/205cm x 350cm
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Shipping Information
Vintage Berber Pile Rug
Ref: 2491/MA
Dimensions: 116 cm x 240cm
Incorporating a partial checkerboard pattern and abstract use of colour. A vibrant pink frames the rug like a painting.
Made of mixed yarns.
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Shipping Information
Vintage Berber Pile Rug
Ref: 2477/MA
Dimensions: 132cm x 177cm
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Shipping Information
2566BOU - Boucherouite rag rug
110 x 225 cm
Vintage Boucherouite rag rug.
A beautifully crafted pattern of multi coloured triangles interspersed with darker horizontal stripes bring a sense of order and purpose to the overall design.
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Vintage Beni Ouarain Pile Rug
Ref: 2523/BO
Dimensions: 139cm x 195cm
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Shipping Information
Vintage Berber Pile Rug
Ref: 2287/MA
Dimensions: 119cm x 160cm
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Shipping Information
Vintage Beni Ouarain Pile Rug
Ref: 2208/BO
Dimensions: 200cm x 272cm
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Shipping Information
KL949 - Anatolian kilim
918 x 314 cm
Vintage Anatolian kilim - Turkey
This flatweave features a plaid inspired pattern of many coloured crisscrossing horizontal and vertical bands. Woven in three strips and sewn together with a traditional stitch. Exquisite hand stitched cotton details at both kilim ends.
Vintage Beni Ouarain Pile Rug
Ref: 2526/BO
Dimensions: 118cm x 193cm
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Shipping Information
0763BOU - Boucherouite rag rug
165 x 233 cm
Vintage Boucherouite rag rug - Morocco
Vintage Berber Pile Rug
Ref: 2542/MA
Dimensions: 116cm x 178cm
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Shipping Information
2523BO - Beni Ouarain pile rug
139 x 195 cm
Vintage Beni Ourarain pile rug - Morocco
The simplicity of this rug lends itself to any interior in search of warmth and tactile interest. Beautiful borders and tassels at both ends.
Natural undyed wool.
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Vintage Azilal Rug
Ref: 2559/AZ
Dimensions: 102cm x 180cm
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Shipping Information
2588MA - Middle Atlas pile rug
133 x 165 cm
Vintage Berber Middle Atlas pile rug - Morocco
Recycled yarns
2514BO - Beni Ouarain pile rug
193 x 280 cm
Vintage Beni Ourarain pile rug - Morocco
Wool on wool.
TX525 - Anatolian kilim
197 x 307 cm
Vintage Anatolian kilim - Turkey
2574MA - Middle Atlas pile rug
125 x 214 cm
Vintage Berber Middle Atlas pile rug - Morocco
2594TU - Tulu pile rug
150 x 190 cm
Vintage Anatolian Tulu pile rug - Turkey
A beautiful pictorial rug with two large trailing flower and leaf motifs and borders of smaller flowers in repeat. Tactile deep sumptuous pile.
2593TU - Tulu pile rug
150 x 190 cm
Vintage Anatolian Tulu pile rug - Turkey
For luxurious long pile, look no further than this Tulu rug in bold dark brown and cream stripes. Supple structure.
Undyed wool.
Enquire
Found Objects Featured
Found Objects
It’s opposites that create the magic! Juxtaposing something old with something new instantly adds interests and depth to an interior. Our found objects are a collection of carefully selected vintage treasures that celebrate craftsmanship and tradition, they all have a wonderful time worn patina and simplicity.
FO-320 - Container
25dia x 33 cm
Vintage wooden lunch container - China
Tote Bags Featured
Tote Bags and Clutches
Each one is unique. Smaller clutches also available. Or grab a colourful textured linen tote which will become your trusted companion when out and about. Perfect gifts too!
Linen Tote Bags
Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm
Price: £48
Available colours:
Chestnut
Teal
These colourful and casual linen tote bags will become your trusted companion on shopping trips and when out and about; made from soft washed linen with great texture.
Shipping Information
CS-196 - Cushion cover
30 x 60 cm + 50 x 50 cm
Rectangular: £84.00 inc. VAT
Cushions Featured
Cushions
Most of our cushion covers are one-off pieces crafted from tribal textiles.
TEX112 - Linen - Wool Bed Cover
250 x 265 cm
£390 + VAT
Textiles feature
Textiles
Depending on size and fabric, just add curtain clips to hang or throw over a table, sofa or bed for an instant change of scene.
Read more: Souad Larusi shares insights on how to use textiles at home - the Modern House Journal
2351BOU - Boucherouite
88 x 107 cm
Vintage Boucherouite rag rug wall hanging
Made of recycled textiles and wool
£600
TX605-6 - Anatolian Textile
147 x 232 cm
Vintage Anatolian textile
£420 inc. VAT
TEX143 - Polish textile
142 x 198 cm
Vintage Polish textile
£144 inc. VAT
TX605-19 - Anatolian textile
140 x 258 cm
Vintage Anatolian textile
£350 + VAT
KL926A - Patchwork
64 x 124 cm
Patchwork wallhanging made of vintage Anatolian hemp kilims
£600
TEX113 - Yoruba Textile
160 x 203 cm
Vintage Yoruba textile, Nigeria
£276 inc. VAT
TEX152 - African Textile
100 x 158cm
£132 inc. VAT
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Shipping Information