The original Silk route’s colours and landscapes served as inspiration for Obeetee’s centennial collection
What began as a special activity around a centennial celebration for Obeetee, ended up in an exploration of not just carpets, but also stories from the Silk Route. Obeetee’s centennial collection of carpets on Silk Route is not merely about its impeccable design. It’s a tribute to the hands that bring each piece to life. In the winter of 2023, Obeetee launched a government-supported skill-building initiative in Ladakh, training women weavers from Leh and Kargil during off-season. Already adept at Tibetan weaving, these artisans were introduced to global-standard techniques like the Tibetan knot by Obeetee’s master trainers. What emerged was not just a new skill set for the participants but also a renewed sense of pride – a strengthened lineage passed down with purpose.
Earthy ochres, desert-washed indigos, and luminous neutrals on the carpets reflect the landscapes and marketplaces that once animated this network, while classic Persian motifs and Central Asian geometries are reimagined for the interiors of today.
But Silk Route is not merely about its impeccable design. It’s a tribute to the hands that bring each piece to life. In the winter of 2023, Obeetee launched a government-supported skill-building initiative in Ladakh, training women weavers from Leh and Kargil during their off-season. Already adept at Tibetan weaving, these artisans were introduced to global-standard techniques like the Tibetan knot by Obeetee’s master trainers, a poignant moment for the community where these skills are fast disappearing as elder craftsman die, with the next generation moving away from weaving.
Hand-knotted and hand-tufted by these trained artisans, each rug in the silk route collection is a specimen of design finesse and traditional skill — passed down through generations. “Silk Route is our ode to cultural convergence and the artisans who keep this legacy alive,” says Angelique Dhama, President of Obeetee Pvt. Ltd. “Every knot tells a story, and this collection invites people to bring home a narrative rooted in heritage and shaped for modern living.”
Obeetee’s began operation as early on as 1920 in Mirzapur. It is now known for blending Indian heritage with contemporary design. In 2024, they had launched a creative collection in collaboration with leading Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Anju Modi called Viraasat. Their Proud to Be Indian (PTBI) series amplified India’s design voice on the global stage. The brand recently launched studios in Pune and Ahmedabad — adding a new and a new furniture line on the horizon, the brand is now eyeing international markets in the Middle East and Europe as its next frontier.