ronan and erwan bouroullec present a series of handknotted rugs

following two years of intense research, ‘semis’ is the first collaboration between rug manufacturer, danskina and renowned french designers ronan and erwan bouroullec. the handknotted rug — an exercise in tactility — features an abstract design comprising geometrically aligned dots.

‘semis’ — which means seedling in french — was chosen by the bouroullec brothers as the process of design encouraged them to play with different rhythms by varying the densities and heights of the knotted surface. the resulting visual effect is one of an abstract landscape, like an aerial view of plantings in a field.

the design of the rug plays with different rhythms by varying the densities and heights of the knotted surface

the rug is available in four different variations, featuring small or large dots in either positive or negative variations of black and white. the series offers an overall range graduating from predominantly black to a mostly white surface.

the rug is available in four different variations

to realize the designs, a time consuming process involving the handspinning of tibetan wool has been employed, taking the manufacturing process to nepal. here, the construction of ‘semis’ used a fine yet remarkably strong tibetan knotting technique. for a 200 cm wide rug, three weavers will work together and complete up to 7 cm a day.

the manufacturing process involves the handspinning of tibetan wool

after being knotted, the rug is washed and trimmed with scissors to create an intentionally irregular edge. due to the variations in the shape of the dots, the number of different weaver’s hands that will take to the manufacturing process allows each item to uniquely combine a beautifully random surface with a handmade and personal touch.

after being knotted, the rug is washed and trimmed with scissors