ABOUT ASHKIYOUN
Creation of a Masterpiece:
The creation of a masterpiece is a complicated and time-consuming process, involving a dedicate specialist team. Our process is triggered by a concept:
A- The origin of a Concept:
All Ashkiyoun designs are totally original concepts, which are utilised for one work of carpet art, or for a very limited edition. The concept of a unique design and colour combination is one of Ashkiyoun’s fundamental principles.
The first step in creating a new design is coming up with an original concept . Developing a concept needs lengthy research and the creative experience of master designers. After creation of the first version of the primary concept, the following steps of the design process are initiated.
B- The Design Process:
After the first version of idea concept is developed and is fashioned as a final concept, it is transferred to a bespoke computer programme to be finalised. Next come the colour combination stage carried out by colour experts under the direct supervision of Ashkiyoun's head designer. The meticulous attention to detail of the design department can mean that the design process of one concept can take between 6 to 12 months, during which time the numerous versions of the initial concept are placed side by side in order to obtain the most unique and elegant combination in terms of design, colour configurations and balance.
Ashkiyoun differs from other producers in the painterly manner they approach colour combinations. The colours used in each carpet are exclusively specifically for each designs and patterns.
C- The Choice of Raw Materials:
In order to produce a unique product of the highest quality, Ashkiyoun’s procurement department selects the best raw materials from local and international suppliers. To achieve this the best vendors are shortlisted. After several tests, a select number of suppliers are chosen for a long-term collaboration.
This deep understanding when choosing raw materials extends beyond purchasing raw silk to selecting the right machinery for processing the silk, used for the warps and wefts of each carpet, to the quality and technics of the silk dyeing and even to the weaving tools .
The silk used in Ashkiyoun rugs is the same as the silk used in KIMONO fabrics. The same sensitivity and attention to selecting the said raw materials is applied to the selection of the wool used in our wool & silk carpets. Ashkiyoun only use wool from rare Iranian sheep that live in aa region between the borders of deserts and mountain foothills. This wool is particularly supple, a quality that increases the carpet’s lifetime, preserving the condition and intensity of the colours. The more our carpets are used, the more vivid and gleaming the colours become.
D- The Weaving Process:
The weavers’ skills and their level of accuracy are vital in creating the complexity of design and optimising the quality of the raw materials. Weaving one square metre of an Ashkiyoun carpet can take up to one year on average – some 2560 man-hours – so the choice of the right weavers becomes vital Our professional weavers are chosen after stringent tests and given additional training to be able to realise our vision, expending their time and energy in skilfully creating a unique masterpiece.
Each weaver has their own style of weaving so in order to maintain an even quality of weave across a carpet smaller ones are woven by a single weaver and larger ones by a number of weavers which closely matching styles and skill sets.
In each of our geographical weaving areas one or a number of master weavers regularly visit weavers, providing them with detail designs and raw materials and carrying out quality tests to guarantee the quality of weaving at the highest level throughout the production period.
E- The Finishing Process:
Once the weaving process is completed and the carpet is taken down from the loom the excess pile is cut off using semi-automatic cutters handled by true craftsmen. .
After cutting the excess pile, the rug is sent to our specialist washing department. When the carpet is completely dry, a highly skilful craftsman cuts less than a millimetre of pilewith a blade by hand. The aim of this step is to create a direction for the silk pile and maximize the vividness of colours. The carpet is then sent for a final wash. In some instances this process is repeated several times until the desired result is achieved.
In all, there are a total of more than thirteen steps to the finishing process involving ten craftsmen, so the above is a summary of the full process which can take between two and three months.
F- The Packaging:
We use bespoke handmade boxes of the highest specification and quality that complement the valuable works of woven art inside. Each box is made to measure for each individual carpet, which is professionally folded and placed inside.