Before we left for India we knew we wanted to find a little inlaid-marble table in Agra. We did not anticipate being charmed by a rug. So on our visit to a weaver in the countryside outside Jodhpur, we were not prepared to make a purchase. But when we got home we kept thinking about The Peacock Rug we loved there.
The case was hand-stitched closed at one end.
Under the cotton we found a grid of packing tape.
The tape covered a wrapping of plastic.
Under the plastic was a fine grid of plastic twine.
You may remember the well-maintained family compound, and the 101-year-old grandmother who greeted us.
We watched a rug being woven.
And then we got to see a variety of the dhurries made by their 12-member cooperative.
Back home we studied the space in Kenneth's Study and emailed to see if the 6x9 rug we liked so much was available. They sent a photo.
Then came a bit of a dance on how to get the payment to them. With the bank transfer completed, the rug was on its way, and quickly arrived. I thought you'd enjoy seeing the packaging!
It came wrapped very compactly in a cotton case.
And now - the happy result:
My six 100-page Mac picture-books are now complete. I have recommendations for books on India to read. Last night I watched Saalam Bombay, the 1988 movie that led to the founding of the non-profit that helps street kids. Tomorrow Kenneth and I will watch Marigold one more time. Then I plan to re-watch the wonderful India history series by BBC.
Our trip-planner is talking about a trip to southern India in 2014 or -15. Catch the "bug;" come on along!
