As our Late Autumn Sale comes to a close, we wanted to pause and thank you. Your support — whether online, in our Granville Island shop, or simply by being part of this community — means more than we can say.
The late autumn light has a way of softening things. It asks us to slow down, to take stock, to make room for what’s ahead. As we prepare ourselves for the next chapter of work, we wanted to begin with something simple: thank you.
Forged with simple hand tools. Fired in a kiln. Individually tuned until the bell maker is satisfied that the tone is clear and true. These bells are what turn a flock of sheep into an orchestra. Available online so that you can take the music home with you.
We commission hand-carved wood blocks from traditional artisans. Now everyone can experience the wonder of working with these magnificent blocks on textiles, paper, clay, or any other media.
Maiwa's relationship with traditional printing methods on textiles permits an entire community of block carvers to maintain their hereditary craft.
Choose any combination of animals, geometric shapes, borders, botanical blocks, and repeating patterns and you're ready to print your own custom design.
Craftspeople use a stake anvil buried in the sand. With hammers and snips they fashion sheet metal into the desired form. Once the bell is shaped it is dipped into a mixture of flux, brass and copper filings. The entire bell is then covered with a clay coating to keep the finish in place while being fired.
Block printed cloth is incredible. But where do all those wooden blocks come from? From another entire community: the community of block carvers. Wooden blocks eventually wear out and need to be recut. Maiwa's relationship with traditional printing methods keeps an entire community of block carvers working. We also commission blocks to sell in our stores so that all artisans can experience the wonder of working with wooden blocks
Some blocks are designed by us, but most are designed by the very clever geometric imaginations of the carvers themselves. We've just had a huge order arrive - and they are fantastic!
It is not necessary to print with these blocks to appreciate how beautiful they are. They work as extraordinary objects that will inspire you each time you see them.
We’ve worked closely with the Kala Cotton weavers to create a bold gingham check—handwoven in thread-dyed cutch and natural—alongside a timeless black and white, and classic indigo.
The embroidered works of the famous Dhebaria Rabari community of the Kachchh Desert are evolving. The group enjoys a close relationship with traditional Vankar weavers.
The deshi wool of the desert regions of Rajasthan makes for durable and long-lasting carpets. The wool is naturally black, cream or white, creating a harmonious palette that works anywhere. To this palette the weavers of Jawaja add accented colour that give their work a contemporary feeling. The Jawaja artisans weave on extra-wide handlooms to create these stunning flatweaves. They feature simple, bold designs and are fine examples of the weaver's art.
The Artisan's Alliance of Jawaja (AAJ) is a rural cooperative located in Rajasthan, India. AAJ members are leatherworkers and carpet weavers.
In Jawaja, weaving is an art that involves the entire family. From bobbin winding to loom dressing, both men and women dedicate themselves to learning the tasks needed for the production of these robust carpets.
In contrast to many other types of carpet, Jawaja flatweaves are designed for everyday use. Starting with a cotton warp, local wools are intertwined into a tight weft-face. They are often constructed in bold, simple, geometric patterns that bring a measure of colour and light to the rooms that they adorn.
One of our great joys is seeing the artisan cloth, woven and dyed by the many communities we work with across India, find its way into a well-loved home.
The feeling we get when we encounter a beautiful textile is often similar to the feeling we get when we see a piece of jewellery. A sense of wonder, a little intake of breath, and the feeling that the piece is subtle. It is the result of tradition, skill, and the secrets of craft.
Over many years, Maiwa has travelled the world researching textile processes and the cultures that support them. During this time we have also encountered cultures with a long history of unsurpassed skill in working precious metals.
Maiwa seeks out traditional items, such as amulets, broaches, turquoise, lapis and amber. When working in India we employ local silversmiths to set stones and traditional pieces in 92.5% silver settings.
We are happy to say that in India, our enthusiasm for these pieces has ignited renewed interest in traditional work. Often the combination of antique elements in new settings provides the perfect contrast to fire the imagination. These are pieces with a history and a story, adornment that whispers in its own voice.
