Hand-loomed pashmina Ikat shawl, woven in a twill weave in burnt orangey-red and summer blue.

This pashmina is part of a range developed as a revival of classic shawls. Made in an Ikat weave pattern found mainly in the state of Odesa. In this Ikat technique the ‘weft’ yarn is ‘unwrapped’ and tie-dyed, then carefully rewound using a hand charka and then precisely woven into the pattern of this shawl. This merger of yarns and colours is called Sangam.

The yarn is then woven totally by hand on a handloom. There is a longer fringe on one side as it was the last piece to come off the loom. As the cashmere is so precious the weavers do not want to waste this, so create a long fringe from what was attached to the loom. Traditionally the longer side is seen from the back of the person wearing it over the shoulder, with the shorter fringe showing at the front. If you wish to, you can easily cut this fringe off and make it the same as the short fringe, or leave it as a traditional feature.

The unique aspect of Ikat lies in its resist-dyeing technique, which we will understand best as a form of tie-dye. To create intricate patterns, sections of the yarn are tied tightly with threads, ensuring that those areas remain undyed. The yarn can go through this painstaking process several times to create intricate and complex designs. This process requires precision and skill, as it determines the final design of the shawl.

The cashmere used in this shawl comes from Changthangi goats in Leh, Ladakh where temperatures can reach minus 35 degrees during winter in this cold desert region of the Himalayas. The cashmere from this region is considered amongst the best in the world, it is combed from the chest and underbelly of the goats. and is light and warm with amazing insulating properties, the fibres are extremely fine, varying between 9 - 16 microns. 

The yarn is then woven totally by hand on a handloom.

Each shawl is unique and as each piece of the pashmina has been handmade, please do expect some inconsistencies and 'flaws', which all add to the character of this ultimate slow-fashion piece.

Composition: 100% Finest Pashmina

Size: 104 x 212 cm, (41 x 83.5 inches)

Made in Srinagar, Kashmir, India

Care: Hand wash only in warm water, using a wool-recommended soap, do not tumble dry