At Gracious Style, we love to bring you the newest, most unique handcrafted collections, and we’re excited to introduce these truly divine textiles by John Robshaw.
Painter and Pratt graduate John Robshaw began his art career studying block printing in China, when a quest for the perfect indigo dye took him to India. He fell in love with their strong culture of textile design, and began working with local artisans and their traditional printmaking techniques on designs that incorporate a fresh, modern feel while still retaining the essence of India’s master handcrafting.
John Robshaw’s newest offerings are inspired by his stay in Pondicherry, a South Indian tropical city full of magic and beauty on the Bay of Bengal. Formerly a French colony, the city is also home to Auroville, a famous spiritual center founded by the Hindu teacher Sri Aurobindo.
The bright colors of Pondicherry’s French colonial architecture, the deep azure blue of the ocean, the rich hues of organic indigo dyes, and the vibrant spiritual life of the people of India all combine to create these stunningly beautiful collections of fine textiles.
John Robshaw’s Nikolo Collection echoes the wonderful decorative tradition of kolams – intricate, abstract designs laid out in colorful rice powder by the women of Pondicherry, inviting the goddess of prosperity into their homes.
Only the finest traditional Indian craftsmanship is used to create these stunning pieces. It takes a day and a half for a skilled artisan in Jaipur to paint each of these pillows.
Bring the romance and serenity of South India into your bath with this hand-screened shower curtain and exotic hand-cut bathmat.
What’s your favorite John Robshaw design? Browse our entire collection here, and let us know!
Like this post? Sign up for our email list to get news and special offers!