After three years in Afghanistan, Flore de Taisne and Edmund Le Brun, developed a love for the extraordinary craft heritage of the country.
They also had a desire to showcase incredible work made by craftsmen whose art was affected hard by war.
Syria, Mali, Yemen, Afghanistan – all countries with extraordinary craftsmanship – have been isolated from global markets by conflict.
Despite the quality of their craftsmen’s work, very few Europeans have had the chance to see their products first hand.
Flore and Edmund are probably better described as guardians of craftsmanship than they are retailers. After meeting in Afghanistan, the couple went on to set up Ishkar, a collection of beautifully curated artisanal products made by craftsmen and women living in countries experiencing conflict.
They only work with countries cut off from traditional international markets by war or insecurity, and each purchase creates an economic opportunity where it is most needed.
In partnership with renowned designers and local non-governmental organisations, they offer a wide range of unique creations. Products sold range from precious jewellery to glass and ceramics, through to soft handwoven throws, unique silk jackets and marble centrepieces.
It began with pieces from Afghanistan, featuring carpets designed by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, to blown glass from Afghanistan’s last remaining glass workshop, and a selection of jewellery by designer Pippa Small.
This weekend Ishkar comes to west Oxfordshire, for a pop-up exhibition and sale at Asthall Manor, near Burford.
It will present its iconic glassware, jewellery handmade by Afghan artisans (this time with an additional collection by Parisian designer Amelie Pichard), Afghan coats and silk jackets, Istalif ceramics and walnut wood tableware.
Ishkar has now expanded its influence to other war-torn countries, with shawls, cushions and purses hand embroidered in Syria and a selection of throws and earrings made in Mali.
There will also be a selection of photographic prints taken by Yemeni, Malian, Syrian, Afghan and Sudanese photographers.
All made entirely by hand, Ishkar’s products are united by their combination of ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Its long-term vision is for the craft sector to be a major driver of economic revival in countries affected by conflict, and that its work will enable places such as Afghanistan, Syria, Mali and Yemen to be known not so much for their troubled present, as for their rich past and promising future.
For Saturday’s event, Ishkar has paired up with La Eva, an ethical luxury beauty brand based at Eynsham Park Saw Mill, near Freeland, for a unique visual and sensory shopping experience.
LA-EVA specialises in organic skincare and haircare made from pure raw ingredients. The evolution of an artisan soap studio, it creates unique, evocative products including washes, lotions and oils, inspired by a holistic philosophy on beauty and the alignment of simplicity and luxury.
Expect lovely Christmas gifts, mulled wine and an abundance of festive cheer – all in the knowledge that every sale is helping those artists who need us most.
- Ishkar's Christmas Fair is at Asthall Manor, near Burford on Saturday. 10.30am-6pm
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