The Infinite Aviary: A 66 Raj Hand-Knotted Silk Masterpiece (6' x 4')
 
Curatorial Note:
In the realm of Kashmiri textile art, few motifs are as enduring or as demanding as the Tree of Life. Yet, this specific work, titled "The Infinite Aviary," represents a distinct and spirited interpretation of that classical lineage. Woven over a painstaking period of six months, this 6ft by 4ft carpet is not merely a floor covering; it is a document of artistry, a verdant symphony of nature frozen in time.
 
The composition is a seamless, engineered garden of paradise. Unlike rigid traditional structures, the flora here feels organic and untamed, teeming with an abundance of avian life. The viewer is invited to engage in a form of ornithological study where binoculars are replaced by a discerning eye. The density of the weave—an impressive 576 knots per square inch (66 Raj)—allows for a level of fidelity that is quite frankly staggering.
 
One can trace the curvature of a beak, the serration of a leaf, and the delicate plumage of the songbirds, all rendered with the precision of a botanical illustration.
 
Crafted entirely from pure mulberry silk, the rug possesses a rare quality known as chatoyancy—a cat’s-eye shimmer inherent to the finest fibres. As one moves around the piece, the interaction of light transforms the palette; from one angle, the hues are soft, sedate, and pastel; from another, they ignite into electric, jewel-toned brilliance.
 
This is a hallmark of Jos and Fine’s commitment to historic preservation through a contemporary lens—an artefact designed to be collected, admired, and passed down as a legacy of Kashmir’s finest craftsmanship.
 
Specifications & Provenance
Title: The Infinite Aviary
Origin: Handmade in Kashmir (GI Tagged)
Dimensions: 6 feet x 4 feet (1.83m x 1.22m)
Material: 100% Pure Mulberry Silk on Silk Foundation
Technique: Hand-knotted Double Knot
Density: 66 Raj (Approx. 576 Knots Per Square Inch)
Craftsmanship Duration: 6 Months
Palette:
Ground: Cream / Antique Ivory
Primary Motifs: Magenta, Cerulean Blue, Rose Madder, Burnished Gold/Ochre, Verdant Green.
 
Interior Styling Context
Given the visual density and the narrative complexity of "The Infinite Aviary," this piece commands attention.
As Wall Art: Due to its pictorial quality and the "chatoyancy" of the silk, this piece is exceptionally well-suited to be mounted as a tapestry in a double-height foyer or a formal dining room, where lighting can be directed to showcase the shifting colours.
The Anchor Piece: In a living space, it pairs best with minimalist, solid-coloured furniture (perhaps in velvet or linen) in neutral tones (taupe, slate, or charcoal), allowing the rug to serve as the sole focal point of colour and energy.