"Heritage Forever: Sahrai opens the archives
Feb 20, 2021
For art lovers and fans of collectible design.
As cultural events draw to a close, the Sahrai brand launches an unexpected initiative. For the first time, the brand is opening its archives to the public and organizing a temporary exhibition available for viewing at via Manzoni, 38 in Milan, until 31 March. The exhibition space is strategically located next to the brand's office building and covers an area of around 500 m².
The initiative - and at the same time the challenge - of Sahrai was to summarise the evolutionary journey of 200 years. The concept of 'Legacy Forever' becomes iconic for understanding the nature of the project.
"For a few months now, we have been living in a completely different world. It has given us the opportunity to slow down, to be masters of our time again, to finally look back and rethink what we have been doing so far by getting in touch with our roots," says co-owner Rana Sahraj. - We decided to open our archives for the first time, to share with the world the most exciting moments in the history of our family who has lived with passion through art for over 200 years.
Sahrai's archives include traditional Persian creations as well as unique rugs from China, the Caucasus, Europe and India.
The debut show allows us to see two iconic collections: Heritage Antique and Parsa.
The first brings together authentic, highly valuable works of art; its most representative piece comes from North-West Persia and dates back to the 1870s. Its dimensions are 438 cm by 308 cm, which increases the rarity of the object and distinguishes it from the standards of this time and region. Another distinguishing factor is the complete absence of medallions, in favour of an entire drawing surrounded by a voluminous, full of detail border.
The second collection presented, Parsa, is a brief presentation of Sahrai's latest lines, a true manifesto of the attention to innovation and research that has always distinguished the brand. The Somayeh rug is perhaps the most exciting and representative piece: an 800 x 500 cm, all silk, tapestry in bright pastel tones, highlighting the traditional floral theme.
The exhibition will also be complemented by a selection of items from the Elie Saab Maison collection, Sahrai's partner in designing the rug lines.
In an atmosphere of 1001 nights, amidst intricately woven threads and precious antique artefacts, various cycles of shows will take place, generating new narratives through the products and their history: the focus will shift from China to India and Europe.
New Studio is a representative of Italian brand Sahrai Milano in Belarus.
