India’s Jaipur Rugs has partnered with Dutch designer Richard Hutten for the creation of the new Playing With Tradition collection, a series of large-scale carpets that blends contemporary design with centuries-old traditions – and a whimsical touch of humour.
Comprised of nine different rug patterns, the Playing With Tradition collection exemplifies the rug-makers’ artisanal hand-knotted techniques and rich heritage while introducing playful expressions to old-world motifs.
Incorporating elements like 3D textures, layered traditional designs and unexpected confetti-inspired patterns, the individual rugs within the Playing With Tradition collection are meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in Rajasthan using natural wool (for its durability and graceful aging) and silk (for its renewable and biodegradable properties). The nine rugs included are: Color Blocks, Blue Box, Perspective, Connect 1, Connect 2, Bananas, Squares, Confetti 1 and Confetti 2.
With Color Blocks, simple architectural shapes lend the traditional rug a contemporary architectonic effect. The three-dimensional structures add a colourful gradated contrast to the neutral background, creating an all-over pattern.
A similar visual effect is present with Blue Box, but with the three-dimensional boxes rendered in various shades of blue inspired by classic Dutch Delft Blue pottery to effectively blend Holland and India.
Handcrafted with a subtle colour palette, the Perspective pattern continuously leads the eye to the centre. The aspect-twisting motif and tone-on-tone colourway allow the rug to feel at home in both traditional and modern spaces.
Also included in the Playing With Tradition collection from Jaipur Rugs are Connect 1 (in Red/Merlot) and Connect 2 (in Natural Gray/Olive Bark), which Hutten devised through experimentation with AI: two traditional rugs were selected at random, sliced in half and then stitched together. The playful and visually impactful results do double-duty as tapestries for the wall.
As implied by its name, Bananas features a smattering of the fruit overtop of a traditional pattern. Inspired by icons of slapstick comedy like Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin, the rug is whimsical, vibrant and an instant conversation starter.
For the Squares rug pattern, Hutten revitalizes a traditional pattern with the addition of boldly coloured cubes, making the old-world motif relevant for today’s and future generations.
Both Confetti 1 (in Hunter Heaven/Soft Beige) and Confetti 2 (in Classic Gray/Opal Sky) from the Playing With Tradition collection celebrate the joy of play, “tossing” a handful of colourful confetti across the rug’s surface — an action that pays homage to the exuberant Holi festival in India.
All nine of the rugs in the Playing With Tradition collection are made-to-order in standard sizes.
