Kantha Pillow

This Nila pillow made in collaboration with designer Simon Marks was inspired by the blue and white tiles seen by the designer while walking through the fabled city of Samarkhand. The handwoven, naturally dyed Malkha cotton is an exemplary example of a sustainable textile. Malkha’s mission is to present an evolved alternative to the industrial model of making cotton. They eliminate unnecessary steps in the journey from plant to cloth to preserve the earth and the intrinsic properties of the cotton, as well as adopting a no-compromise approach to natural dyes. The kantha embroidery was designed by Simon and embroidered by Utsa - a small, artisanal kantha studio in West Bengal owned by the artist Kanika Mukerji. Kantha is a form of embroidery usually practiced by rural women, often in the form of personal quilts which are passed down through generations and preserve family stories. This contemporary adaptation of the craft is both striking and delicate, lending itself easily to most living spaces or bedrooms. The highly breathable malkha cotton and the properties of natural indigo dye create a skin-friendly product which is timeless, only improving with age. The back of the pillow is finished with contrasting kantha running stitches and the piece is closed with fabric ties. Size 45 x 45 cm  17.7 x 17.7 in 100% handloom cotton Hand wash gently with cold water and line dry in the shade. Natural indigo is a millennia-old plant dye. The alchemy of earth, water; air, and indigo leaves creates an unpredictable beauty. Please handle this precious piece with care, and it may last you a lifetime. Wash separately for the first few washes. The rich natural color may fade slightly over time, with exposure to direct sunlight.