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Yard after yard of material dries in the sun. In India, even in winter, the sun does the work of thousands of tumble driers. It is an efficient way to dry fabric after each round of dyeing and it gives you an opportunity to look over your work to make certain it is perfect.


We are in India now, working on bedding, clothing, blockprinting and dyeing. We will be retracing our steps from the previous year, checking in with the kalamkari blockprinters and travelling a bit further afield. 


Sunday, February 26, 2012 No comments


We receive containers on a regular basis holding old furniture, carved doors & thresholds, teak cabinets, coffee tables, book cases, engraved water urns, ironwork chairs and tables, furniture handpainted by the renowned Abhi Shakar and Jetu Singh, and many other items both large and small. Below are some of our most recent arrivals.

Each piece is unique. All hardwoods are old or reclaimed.



Four-door teak cabinet. Aprox 5' high x 33" wide x 18" deep. A great teak cabinet with a large, deep storage space. A perfect addition to a room without enough cubboards. Metal reinforcements add character. $699.00 


Three-level teak cabinet. Aprox 4' 5' high x 30" wide x 16" deep. Glass sides, glass front panels and glass doors make this cabinet ideal for both storage and display. We've filled it with brass singing bowls (not included) to give an idea of its potential. $699.00  


Very unusual storage bench. Part of the reason we love India is the personality of these pieces. This one features storage in the body of the bench and addional storage in the arms, accessed through hinged covers in the top. This bench is quite deep, the addition of some cusions would make a perfect reading spot. Approx. 36" high x 36" deep x 54" wide.  $699.00. 


Brass teapots and vessels. These items have all seen domestic use. They retain the character of special, everyday things. (we do not recommend use for food as some items are occsionally repaired with solder). Prices start at $39.95.


Cast brass bells. Available in a range of sizes and shapes. Some, like the one on the left have figures and faces. Rung to signal a call to temple, the start of school or just because they sound nice. Prices range from $19.95 for the bell on the right to $49.95 for the bell on the left.


Antique lantern with wooden handle and metal chimney protector. An unusual item. $198.95.  


Maiwa East
Open 10 - 5 Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Open 11 - 5 Sunday


Free delivery on furniture purchased between February 23rd and March 4, 2012. Spend $500 or more at Maiwa East and receive a coupon for free delivery anywhere in Vancouver.*
*Delivery must be booked with our delivery company. For destinations outside of Vancouver customers will receive a $60 credit coupon good toward delivery charges. This special cannot be combined with other discounts. No cash value.
Monday, February 20, 2012 No comments

Each year when we visit we sit on these steps. It has become a tradition after the meeting is over, to take a group photo.  Each year we come a little further. Each year we accomplish a little more. Last year was a break-through year for the weavers. The year before that we were presented with a series of new designs that the leatherworkers had made. 2009, of course, was the year that members of the Artisan's Alliance of Jawaja (AAJ) almost came to Canada for our Symposium.

Each year we see a change in the village. A new coat of paint here, a wall repaired and cleaned up there, everything a little better, more welcoming, more content than it was before. As a group of artisans, both the leatherworkers and the weavers have great determination. It is a determination that is constant, exercised a little each day, and so when we look back over our relationship – five years ago, ten years ago, it fills us with a great sense of satisfaction and confidence. Here are some photos from our recent visit.

We've added most of the Jawaja leatherwork to our online store. Find it here.

Everything is discussed in a large group meeting in the "go down" (Indian name for warehouse).

Jawaja proudly displays their recent work on the walls.

The women are also present, not wanting to miss the excitement.

When we finally prepare to leave there are blessings all around.






Friday, February 17, 2012 No comments

Wild Silk and Wool Shawls

We have many ways to wrap-up this winter. Here we feature shawls made from a blend of wild Eri silk and wool. Most silks are reeled. But Eri silk is spun (like cotton), the result is a silk fibre that gives a warm feeling when used in cloth - especially when combined with wool. These shawls are soft and drape beautifully. We love the selvedge (edge) of these shawls. Handwoven in northern India by artisans from the Avani co-operative. Available in the four naturally-dyed colour combinations shown below.

$129.95/139.95 only at the Granville Island Store.


Wednesday, February 08, 2012 No comments

Himalayan Shoulder-Blankets

We have many ways to wrap-up this winter. Today's feature is a handwoven Himalayan shoulder-blanket. Woven by artisans in the Avani co-operative who live very close to the India - Tibet border, these are naturally dyed and made from the local sheep wool. Many of the artisans have migrated to India from Tibet and bring considerable weaving skills. The shoulder-blankets are used throughout the Himalayas, folded and draped over the shoulder when it is warm or wrapped around the body when it is cold. They are substantial, falling somewhere between a shawl and a blanket: 86" x 41" (220 x 104 cm.) They are good for covering your feet on the couch, or for wrapping up when you want to go outside. Who needs a coat? They also give many nice options for layering when combined with a lighter scarf around the neck.

$139.95 only at the Granville Island Store. Available in a variety of colour combinations.



Wednesday, February 01, 2012 No comments
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