Kashmir Loom in The Heirloom Project at The Met
In 2021, The Met commemorated the 10th anniversary of its reimagined Islamic Wing, home to one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of its kind. What began with acquisitions in the late 19th century has grown into a collection of over 12,000 treasures from across the Islamic world, spanning centuries of artistry.
When The Met unveiled its newly renovated exhibition spaces in 2011, it introduced a cohesive presentation of art from the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia. This reorganization highlighted the diversity and interconnectedness of this expansive region.
To mark this significant 10th-anniversary milestone, The Met Store introduced the Heirloom Project, an initiative presented in collaboration with designer Madeline Weinrib. The project not only celebrated The Met’s exceptional Islamic art collection but also supported the preservation of traditional craftsmanship through global artisan partnerships.
Weinrib, known for blending heritage with contemporary design, often draws inspiration from the Islamic world, creating pieces that are both timeless and modern. Her collaborations with artisans from India to Uzbekistan have helped preserve endangered crafts while fostering economic growth in these communities.
For the Heirloom Project, Weinrib partnered with artisans who pursue historic techniques, with companies such as Turquoise Mountain, Zarif Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Hanut Singh, Kashmir Loom, Munnu The Gem Palace, Mehry Mu, and more. Representing Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, and other parts of the world, the project expressed diverse perspectives, aligning with The Met Store’s vision.
Kashmir Loom’s contribution to the project included three merino wool shawls, each embroidered with a chain stitch motif inspired by a 16th-century Turkish dish in The Met’s collection.
The Heirloom Project provided a valuable opportunity to highlight a lesser-known craft from the Kashmir Valley. The chain stitch technique used in Kashmir is distinct from other Indian versions, as it is done without a frame. Artisans stretch the fabric over their knees and use a hook-like needle to pull the thread through from the underside
The recognition garnered by this project has contributed to the wider visibility of the Kashmir Valley’s craftsmanship. With Madeline Weinrib’s expert design guidance and the support of the artisans, Kashmir Loom successfully created a luxurious 100% merino wool shawl featuring an intricate chain stitch pattern inspired by a stonepaste dish from The Met’s collection.
