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Silk on Silk
Tree of Life
Flowering tree beneath a mihrab
Motif · Silk Carpets, Walnut Carving
Tree of Life
A tree rising from a vase, branching into blossoms and birds, sheltered beneath an arch: the Tree of Life is one of the oldest symbols in the decorative arts — of growth, continuity and paradise. In Kashmir it is knotted into prayer-format silk carpets and carved in deep relief across walnut cabinet doors and screens.
In silk
The Tree of Life carpet uses the prayer-rug format — a pointed arch, or mihrab, at the top of the field — with the tree growing upward beneath it. Birds perch among the branches; flowers open along every stem. Woven in copper-gold silk against lapis blue, it is a contemplative piece intended for the wall rather than the floor.
In walnut
On furniture, the carver draws the tree across the full height of a cabinet or screen, branches spreading over the panels in deep, undercut relief so that the leaves cast their own shadows. Our corner almirah carries a flowering Tree of Life across doors more than two metres tall.
Commission your own
The motif adapts naturally to bespoke work: a tree drawn with your own choice of birds and blossoms, in a size for a specific wall or panel. The naqash prepares the drawing for your approval before any knot is tied or any wood is cut.
Questions
What does the Tree of Life symbolise?
Across many cultures the Tree of Life represents growth, fertility, continuity between generations and the garden of paradise. In Kashmiri carpets it is usually shown beneath an arch, rising from a vase.
Is a Tree of Life carpet for the floor or the wall?
The design has a clear top and bottom, so it is usually hung as a textile artwork. Small silk pieces can also be placed on the floor in a low-traffic room.
Pieces in this design
Tree of Life, made by hand
Prices on request. Every piece can be commissioned in your own size and palette.
Bespoke
Tree of Life, to your own measure
Choose the size, the palette and the density of the work. Our naqash draws the design for your approval before a single knot is tied, a stitch made or a brush lifted.
