Magic Lao Carpets gains more recognition
Magic Lao Carpets gains more recognition
Keeping alive the unique style and longstanding traditional culture of Laos in combination with contemporary carpet designs has earned Magic Lao Carpets Handicraft (MLCH) more international recognition by winning yet another award.
After winning the Silver Prize at the Korean International Women's Invention Exposition 2013, the owner of MLCH Mrs Lani proudly announced last week that they have just received the G-Mark Award 2014.
MLCH's efforts to preserve Lao culture and be better known in Laos and the rest of the world have paid off yet again. A team from Japan making selections among Mekong countries where valuable old materials are preserved came to Laos and recognised the importance of the carpets made by MLCH.
The workshop and showroom are located in Nongdouang Tai village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane. The carpet designs reflect Lao culture and weaving styles. Mrs Lani and Ismet with their weavers always strive for excellence, which has won them awards for creativity. The awards recognise the uniqueness of the carpets they make combined with the fact that they keep developing.
Their methods produce a contemporary style that also strongly keeps alive Lao culture. That's why they have received these awards.
MLCH has for the past 16 years produced and continues to produce carpet masterpieces. The weaving techniques are learnt from Turkmenistan, where her husband Mr Ismet originated.
“My family has played a critical role in the designs, while our craftsmen and women from different parts of Laos have also come up with inventive and creative designs,” Mrs Lani said, adding that her group of artisans come from diverse backgrounds and have contributed much to the woven masterpieces.
What also makes these carpets special is the use of natural dyes, which are both environmentally friendly and do not pose a health hazard. And Mrs Lani uses only natural silk produced using traditional methods.
Her customers have learnt they can get the and colour of carpet they want only at MLCH, which is why she decided to name her venture “Magic Carpets”.
On the back of its success, MLCH is committed to continue to develop and to identify new market possibilities and expand workmanship capacity.
The nature of the elaborate design means it takes about four months and at least four artisans to complete a 120cm by 180cm high quality hand-knotted carpet. Most of the carpets are made on order for customers all around the world. MLCH is now producing tufted carpets which are cheaper and within the budgets of Lao people, and may be used for office and home decor.
“As a social enterprise, we are happy to be part of Lao culture and history, especially by helping women from rural areas and disabled women,” Mrs Lani said.
MLCH also opens its doors to students. Interested persons can make an appointment at this number (856-21) 216854 or visit the website www.magiclaocarpets.com.
