Have you ever entered an Alladin’s cave where cashmere / pashmina shawls – new, vintage and antique, pieces of vintage textiles and row upon rolls upon rolls of new carpets and antique ones, belonging to Maharajas, made during the British Raj, made in Persia, Kashmir in wool, silk and its numerous combination are arranged in perfect synchrony? There are tribal rugs, kilms, durries, Mughal Jail carpets, HadjiJalili’s, modern damascue, contemporary ones. The collection some woven in India, some sourced from the finest manufacturing centres, galleries and from Princely families. The impact is overwhelming. I had been to their showroom in the basement of their home, but this one in a commercial place with enough space for display was mind boggling. It was started by the late Mr. Sheel Chandra. What helped him establish himself was that he was in the wool trade, of importing wool from Australia and New Zealand for various woollen mills in India. This gave him insight into wool and of course carpets.
Today the main collection is available at their showroom on Mehrauli Gurgaon Road. A huge space with just carpets and cushions is a virtual feast to the eyes. The old place in the basement of Anand Niketan has the restoration unit and of course products. I had visited their MG Road showroom quite a while ago.
Where – The showroom is located in Sultanpur – MG Road – 348D Mehrauli Gurgaon Road to be precise. It is opposite Zorba.
Timings - It is open 7 days – 10.30 am to 7 pm
Highlights - Have one of the largest collection of antique textiles, brocade, jacquard, Jamewar shawls, paisleys and Kani shawls. There are plenty of revivals in the hand knotted carpet section. The range of vintage and antique textiles, rugs and carpet is mind boggling.
Insider Tip – The revival work done by them is fascinating. Several old motifs, designs, method of weaving has been revived. The best of wool and silk is used in the revival. Kashmiri carpet is an area of expertise as is the revival of Kani shawls and work with Pashmina. The list of their work with textiles and carpets in unending, The antique carpet collection for sale also in large enough to fill a few books. What though stands out is the passion and personal touch in dealing with the textiles and visitors.