manuscript
Guided and Art directed
by Ram Sinam
for Lab Nilaya by Asian Paints
This project was commissioned to create a collection of wall coverings for Nilaya, by Asian Paints with Art Direction by Ram Sinam, founder of Wari Watai.
The intent was to create eight unique designs, through experimentation with the re-appropriation of traditional art forms, and the digital enlargement of unique, handmade patterns. The goal was to combine the timeless artistry of textiles with a fresh approach.
PROCESS
The inspiration for this collection came from an unexpected source: a series of weaving pattern manuscripts c.1800 recorded at the Philadelphia Museum of Art - that resembled the iconic khes, a textile traditionally woven across undivided Punjab. This discovery led me down a fascinating path into the world of double weave structures and the rich visual language of khes motifs.
The manuscripts, which are essentially weavers' diagrams drawn on paper, offered a unique landscape of geometry — intricate patterns that are works of art in their own right. These historical designs became the foundation for this collection of wall coverings, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
PROCESS
A khes is a traditional cotton bedspread from Punjab, used as a bedcover, shawl, or light blanket. Lighter than a dhurrie but coarser than khaddar, it was also an important part of a bride’s dowry. Among the various types, the Majnu khes is particularly noteworthy for its double-cloth, compound weave structure. These designs were brought to India by migrants from West Punjab (now Pakistan) to East Punjab (now India) during the 1947 exodus.
I’ve drawn inspiration from these patterns, with the color palette also reflecting the rural and agricultural landscape of Punjab, blending earthy tones with natural hues to evoke a sense of place.
