The sights, sounds and smells of ancient trade routes…
the bustling bazaars and souks…
the confluence of diverse cultures, peoples, traditions, crafts…
the colours of the desert sunset, a Rishtan tile, Berber eyes…
the convergence of East and West in ancient cities, from Samarkand to Isfahan and Constantinople…
the magnificent architecture of mosques, mausoleums, minarets and tombs…
the silver, lapis lazuli, cornelian and turquoise…
the mosaics, patterns, motifs and talismans…
the looms, kilns, chisel, thread and yarn…
Arastan was born from my wanderlust and deep curiosity about the art, craft and architecture of the ancient silk route. What I discovered on my travels was our collective debt to these monumental journeys that connected civilizations, patronized human creativity, and so greatly enriched the course of world history.
Arastan is an endeavour to lead that fascinating trade route to you. Through a curated collection of exquisitely hand worked products, from jewellery & accessories, to art & decor, and carpets and kilims. All made by local artisans and master craftsmen who follow in traditions, centuries-old.
In Persian, Arastan means “to adorn, decorate and embellish”. How perfect! because each piece is indeed embellished with an enchanting story told through craftsmanship, motifs, colours and symbols. To own an Arastan product, is to celebrate and carry forward the living legacy of craft from the lands of the silk road and beyond.
