ISHKAR

ISHKAR Venture Beyond the Headlines
OBJECTS | STORIES | TRAVEL

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Since 2016 ISHKAR has sought out artisans working with exceptional natural materials and an interest in pushing inherited knowledge forward. We partner with artisans in places which have often been overlooked. Founded in Kabul, ISHKAR is committed to maintaining the majority of its production in Afghanistan. From bespoke carpets to our signature glassware, every ISHKAR object bears the mark of its

maker. Each one carries a story about the people and place from where it came. Find us online, visit our London store or email us at [email protected] to find out more.

Whether you're hosting Iftar gatherings, visiting friends and family, or simply looking to send some warmth to your love...
05/03/2025

Whether you're hosting Iftar gatherings, visiting friends and family, or simply looking to send some warmth to your loved ones, our Ramadan gift boxes are designed to bring joy and comfort.

Our 'Cook' themed set, curated for the culinary-minded, comes with two packets - one sun-dried figs, and one heirloom almonds.

Ziba source high-quality dried fruits and nuts from small family farms in Afghanistan which are then sorted by hand in Kabul.

Swipe to see the complete gift box, including:
- drawstring cotton Zaatar pouch, hand-embroidered by Palestinian women
- hardback copy of Syria: Recipes from Home
- pouch of single-origin saffron, sourced from Iran

Follow the link in our bio to shop our limited edition collection of Ramadan gift boxes.

Ramadan Kareem 🌙 رمضان كريم Wishing all of those celebrating love and joy for the month to come 🩷Photos by:1.  via 2. .c...
01/03/2025

Ramadan Kareem 🌙
رمضان كريم

Wishing all of those celebrating love and joy for the month to come 🩷

Photos by:
1. via
2. .c.holland via
3. via
4. via
5. via

Just-landed: a limited collection of richly-decorated suzanis.Hand-embroidered by craftswomen from Uzbekistan on 100% co...
13/02/2025

Just-landed: a limited collection of richly-decorated suzanis.

Hand-embroidered by craftswomen from Uzbekistan on 100% cotton fabric with fine silk thread, these textiles offer a versatile solution for adding a splash of colour to your home.

They come with a rich history, too.

Found all along the ancient Silk Road, suzanis originate from nomadic tribes in countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, and have been a part of Central Asian craft heritage for hundreds of years.

Traditionally crafted together by the women of the family - mother, daughters, sisters, aunts, and cousins - for a girl's dowry, suzanis were used as decoration all over the home across. As these textiles have reached Western markets, this versatility has been perfectly translated.

Today, suzanis can be used for just about anything - as wall hangings, bedspreads, tablecloths, cushion-covers, upholstered headboards and more. If you’ve stopped by our Columbia Road store recently, you’ll have spotted our golden Suzani curtains hanging in our shop windows.

No two suzanis are the same - so shop these one-of-a-kind designs while you can. Follow the link in our bio to shop our limited collection, and to read more on our journal about the history of these textiles.

(P.S. looking for something specific? We can also source suzanis upon request - drop us a DM to find out more...)

💌 From Kabul with love...Lovingly handcrafted in the old city of Kabul with white marble and lapis, these heart-shaped p...
06/02/2025

💌 From Kabul with love...

Lovingly handcrafted in the old city of Kabul with white marble and lapis, these heart-shaped pieces are the perfect Valentine's Day present for that special someone.

Follow the link in our bio to shop the collection, designed & worn here by the lovely .

It all starts with a strand of wool... Each and every one of our rugs is made from Ghazni wool. This wool - unique to Af...
30/01/2025

It all starts with a strand of wool...

Each and every one of our rugs is made from Ghazni wool. This wool - unique to Afghanistan due to its terrain and climate - imbues our rugs with a silky, luxuriant finish, absorbing and reflecting colour with rich abrash.

If you've been dreaming of giving your home a refresh for the new year, our collection of flatweave and hand-knotted rugs are perfect for giving new life to cherished spaces. 

We can customise any rug according to your chosen dimensions and colour preferences, and for a truly one-of-a-kind design, we'll work with you create your own bespoke piece.

Follow the link in our bio to find out more, and to book your free design consultation.

Travel with us to the mountains of Tajikistan 🏔️Autumn 2025 | Bartang Valley and Wakhan Corridor20th September - 5th Oct...
27/01/2025

Travel with us to the mountains of Tajikistan 🏔️

Autumn 2025 | Bartang Valley and Wakhan Corridor
20th September - 5th October

Known for its rugged mountains, which make up 93% of the country's land area, Tajikistan is also renowned for its unique culture and rich history.

Our journey offers a 15 day exploration into the country's most remote corners, where geographical isolation has allowed distinctive cultures, languages and traditions to thrive.

You'll explore the Bartang Valley - celebrated for its natural beauty, including dramatic peaks, turquoise rivers, and pristine glaciers - and discover the Wakhan Corridor - a high-altitude region, famous for its historic Silk Road trading routes, ancient Buddhist sites, and home to several ethnic groups, including the Wakhi, known for their distinct culture and language.

Want to find out more?

🔗 Link in Bio
📩 Contact [email protected] to discuss in more detail and ask any questions
📸 by ISHKAR travellers / 1-3 Marc Hovenbitzer / 4 Nicolas Rosser

FLASH SALE | This weekend only, we're offering 20% off our signature men's wool waistcoats.The perfect layering piece fo...
16/01/2025

FLASH SALE | This weekend only, we're offering 20% off our signature men's wool waistcoats.

The perfect layering piece for the colder months, our original waistcoats are made from high-quality wool, and the interior is made with a bespoke cotton lining, hand-spun and hand-woven in Kabul.

Our Charcoal and Midnight variants also feature a splash of cerulean blue raw silk detailing - swipe to take a peek...

The sale ends this Sunday, 19th January, at midnight, while stocks last.

In-store sale | 30% off We’ve discounted a selection of our in-store favourites, including hidden gems from our glasswar...
14/01/2025

In-store sale | 30% off

We’ve discounted a selection of our in-store favourites, including hidden gems from our glassware collection.

From tumblers to carafes, vases, and candlesticks, you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces alongside those with little imperfections (that only adds to their unique charm), all handblown by master artisans in Afghanistan.

Drop by our flagship store on East London's Columbia Road to shop the sale.

This sale is available in-store only on selected items until Sunday 19th January, while stocks last.

Starting tomorrow, we're offering 30% off a selection of our in-store favourites - from embroidered suzanis to cashmere ...
10/01/2025

Starting tomorrow, we're offering 30% off a selection of our in-store favourites - from embroidered suzanis to cashmere gloves, blankets, cushions and much more...

We’ve also discounted a selection of our signature handblown glassware, including some hidden gems, as well as odds & ends with little imperfections that make them all the more unique.

Pop by our flagship store on Columbia Road to shop the sale (and get first dibs on one-of-a-kind items!), starting tomorrow, 11th January, and ending next weekend on the 19th.

This sale is avaialble in-store only on selected items while stocks last.

As we close the door on 2024, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. We're so grateful for the support you've cont...
03/01/2025

As we close the door on 2024, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

We're so grateful for the support you've continued to show us over the past year, and we feel very lucky to have built such a wonderful community of partners, collaborators, and dear friends from all around the world.

2024 was full of so many wonderful moments - swipe to see just a few of our favourite highlights from the past year, including:

Releasing a capsule collection of carpets designed in collaboration with the artist Louis Barthélemy, handmade by female weavers in Afghanistan and inspired by gardens of paradise.

Completing our successful CrowdCube investment campaign, offering our long time followers the opportunity to become a shareholder and own a part of ISHKAR.

Making our Decorex debut, showcasing our complete collection of carpets and kilims at one of London's largest interior design fairs.

Continuing to develop relationships with our artisan partners and releasing new collections, like our recently-launched Celestial Guides jewellery line.

And last, but certainly not least, growing the ISHKAR team. As well as celebrating one year on London's Columbia Road, we're so pleased to have taken on three new team members in the past few months - Lucia, as Creative Director, Kitty, as Production Manager, and Karen, as Social Media and Marketing Coordinator - as we embark on a new chapter of ISHKAR's story.

We're excited to share with you everything the next year has in store.

Best wishes and happy new year,
The ISHKAR team

We're planning some incredible adventures for 2025, and we’d love to bring you along. Swipe see what we have in store ne...
30/12/2024

We're planning some incredible adventures for 2025, and we’d love to bring you along. Swipe see what we have in store next year...

Socotra | 8th - 15th April
An active adventure taking you by foot and by boat to the most remote corners of this incredible island in the northwest Indian Ocean.

Pakistan | 22nd April - 2nd May (plus October dates to come...)
Discover the jaw-dropping landscapes of Northern Pakistan's peaks and verdant valleys (with an optional extension to Lahore for city-seekers).

Tajikistan | 20th September - 5th October
Explore the high-altitude Wakhan Corridor and remote Bartang Valley's dramatic peaks, turquoise rivers, and pristine glaciers.

Get in touch at [email protected] for more information about any of our upcoming trips and to book your personal travel consultation with Kate, our Head of Travel.

New in... Our hand-printed silk pyjamas will have your Christmas morning style sorted.An everyday luxury, these long-sle...
18/12/2024

New in... Our hand-printed silk pyjamas will have your Christmas morning style sorted.

An everyday luxury, these long-sleeve, button-up pyjamas are incredibly soft and effortlessly comfortable, complete with pockets and an elasticated drawstring waistband.

Each set comes in a matching drawstring silk bag, perfect for gifting and easy travelling alike.

Follow the link in our bio to shop our complete nightwear collection.

Address

94 Columbia Road
London
E27QB

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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