Category Archives: Creating Arastan

The background and progress of the Arastan story

Treasures of the Silk Route – Exhibition at Artisans’, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

Handicrafts from the Silk Route

Arastan will be exhibiting its “Treasures of the Silk Route” in Mumbai from 16-18 February.

ARTISANS‘ 52 – 56 Dr V B Gandhi Marg (Behind Rhythm House) Kala Ghoda Mumbai

16,17,18 February; 11am-7pm

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Strange things happen sometimes…

RainTree Carpets

On the 3rd day of the exhibition I didn’t get a chance to answer my phone and when I did check there were 9 missed calls! Oh no – someone was lost and I was going to need to get them to Raintree. Nothing could be worse. I have difficulty with spatial awareness, the kind that means if I have to drive anywhere my husband draws me a simple map which I have to turn in the direction of travel in order to read. (Like from London to the Mars office in Waltham in the UK –  for those who don’t know it’s straight up one road!) When I did return the call, I spoke to someone who was visiting from abroad and who had heard about us having ‘unusual things’ through an acquaintance. He came, he saw, he bought. Three gorgeous carpets – an Iranian Gabbeh, a northwest Persian

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Next stop Morocco!

Morocco at RainTree
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Never forget the e-sugam!

Moroccan Carpet

I knew this could happen so have been diligent about sending an e-sugam form to my vendors so there is no hassle when the goods enter Karnataka. I forgot to do this for my Uzbek ceramic consignment (yes the one I ordered in February finally arrived in December – at least it got here in the same year) being sent by the clearing agent in Delhi. My phone rang at 6:38am and I was told by a Sales Tax Officer that my goods had been ‘abandoned’ at the check post at the airport as the documents were incomplete. I needed to come with the invoice, e-sugam and pay a fine of 3 times the actual VAT. When I said that sounded absurd (I am not very articulate without my first cup of tea, but even in that state I thought 3 times was ‘extravagant’) he made it 1 times. I

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  • Welcome to Arastan

    A curated collection of rare and beautiful products from mystical lands and exotic bazaars on the ancient silk route and beyond.

    In desert souks and tribal villages; at ancient ruins and chance encounters; we've handpicked treasures that are authentic, exquisite and masterful. From gorgeous handmade carpets to striking objets d'art and fascinating tribal jewellery, each piece is a collectible with a story.

    Come share in our journey and, perhaps, begin one of your own with Arastan…

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