spiral patterns

The noble peacock, a spirit of divinity and power, decorates this charming pillow sham from Uzbekistan. Artisan Zarina Xamidova showcases the beauty and grace of the region's suzani embroidery techniques through this exquisite design, whose silk threads create a superb pattern of classic details. The cotton back features a zipper closure.

Proud roosters are embroidered by hand in the traditional aari style, decorating the front of these cushion covers from India. Sajad diligently creates the designs with petite, spiraling patterns that lend an elegant texture. Crafted of cotton, each cushion cover features a slit at the back for inserting a cushion.

Accompanied by an elephant, a young Lanna (northern Thai) woman is pensive. Baskets of flowers adorn her tranquil country environment, and a spiraling plant motif swirls upward like her thoughts. Alaya Cholprasertsuk's design depicts this beautiful scene using batik on 100% cotton. Charming and original, these cushion covers are ideal for an informal contemporary decor.

Batik is a fabric art in which the cloth is stretched on a wooden frame and the design sketched with a pencil. Then a mixture of melted wax and resin (70%/30%) is painted onto areas where color is not desired and the fabric is dipped in a solution of reactive dye, water, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and process is repeated for each color utilized. Finally, the cloth is washed and rinsed to remove any excess dye.

This pair will feature the same design, but the colors may vary slightly to those pictured, making each a unique work of art.

Sunset hues illuminate the stark geometry of ancient temples, bathing them in pastel radiance. Handloomed wool finds form as cushion covers by Zosimo Laura. They invoke the spirit of the ancient Inca through bright, contemporary color.

"The patterns on this bedspread are inspired by the festive spirit of the people of Oaxaca," says Carmen Ruiz. She weaves the cotton bedspread on a traditional pedal loom with bands of ruby red and beige over the cotton's natural hue. The bedspread is finished by hand with tassels.