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Inspiration at home: the buyer and the rugmaker

Not so long ago I had written about the joys of discovering Indian furniture. It was less of a how-to guide and more of a love letter for artisan textiles. If a man’s wardrobe is a display of character and taste, then the same could be said for his interiors. For me, all good and lasting inspiration begins at home.

No matter where I find myself in the world – whether it be Montreal, London, or Mexico City – my first act of business is observing the local artisan industry. By learning from the local people and their traditions, one can find that there is always much to learn in the world of art and design. Not unlike a good cocktail or dinner jacket, showcasing good bric-a-brac needs no formal introduction. It can say as much or as little as you’d like. After all, it’s the most intimate form of a traveler’s diary.

With the theory that rugs should be added last, I didn’t have anything specific in mind when visiting the wonderful Tapetes Teheran in Mexico City. Upon entering the shop, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the room’s depth and variety. Here, hanging from 25’ ceilings, were handmade Persian pieces next to smaller and more intricate rugs from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Stacked by the dozens, each rug offered individual prices based on material, location, and size.

While it’s no secret that Persian rugs can easily run up to 5-figures, I was in the market for something less assuming and more affordable. One should never be ashamed to discuss price, so I asked honest and good questions about the details: which region the rug was made, how it had arrived, and the time it took to create. Most new buyers are often misinformed about the creation process. Authentic Persian rugs can easily take up to 6 months or more to create with a team of weavers working around the clock while others, like the beautiful Jaguar-green Indian rug I opted for, can take much less time, and is therefore much more accessible.

Sometimes it’s the thrill of learning about the shop’s history that draws me back. The proprietors are often the artisans themselves or come from a family of weavers. They have century-old traditions that need to be championed. By purchasing artisan goods, you’re investing in the bloodline of communities that have helped define a generation of style and character.

The same principle can apply to all aspects of the home.


Originally posted as part of the Gents Cafe Newsletter, a bite-sized read about men’s lifestyle to enjoy over a coffee or a nice cocktail. Join now!