When entrepreneur Haresh Adnani decide to launch a bespoke carpet brand, he wanted to give it a simple name that encapsulated the essence of their products. Thus was born Nodana— which derives its name from the Latin word Nodus, meaning a knot—which has on offer exquisite hand-knotted pieces.
Made in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, known as the carpet city of India, “each piece carries the richness of the region’s weaving tradition that dates back to the time of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The special aspect of the weaving process here is that the pile carpets are woven with up to 300 knots per square inch, a density that ensures durability”, says 50-year-old Adnani, who believes rug-weaving, just like a piece of art, involves precision, technique and creative merit.
“Its beauty lies in the freedom to experiment with textures, colours, fabrics and patterns; pretty much anything you’ve imagined can be brought to life through this medium,” he adds.
With a three-decade-long career in the field of carpet textiles, Nodana, a part of Adnani Exports Ltd.—a family-owned company, manufacturing and exporting home textiles across Europe—entered the Indian market recently. “We were driven by the nation’s thriving design culture, its dedicated craft clusters and its long legacy of carpet-making, to bring our artisanal best in terms of new-age designs and innovation,” says the founder.
Well-known for its use of eco-friendly materials such as New Zealand wool, organic cotton, recycled cotton, natural jute, silk and pet yarn, the brand prides itself on its customisations. The Haiku multi-hand-tufted rug made of New Zealand Wool is an apt example. Shaped like an amoeba, an unusual design choice, it comes in cool shades embodying the essence of the winter seascape.
The muted palette adds sophistication to the rug and the knit-inspired detailing extends warmth. Another of their custom pieces takes centre stage at the Earth Café in Bandra. “Made of organic cotton, the rug is placed as a wall installation to add a bit of an artistic element to the vegan eatery’s earthy ethos,” says Adnani.
The Auburn carpet in a red-brown shade and subtle hints of gold is an ode to the grandeur of Florence, Italy. Its intricate pattern is symbolic of the nuances of the city’s history and architecture. Pike, another creation with a narrative, captures the sublime essence of Santorini’s sunsets, brought out in its palette featuring beige, brown, grey and black. Then there is Bakko with geometric patterns in pastels, inspired by the twilight hours before sunrise.
Sierra, in contrast, made of bamboo silk and New Zealand wool, sells sunsets. Its beautiful patchwork is highlighted by geometric designs in warm tones of dusk such as orange, deep reds, and earthy hues. Nirvana is one of Adnani’s favourites. “It brings out the mystical beauty of a desert at midnight. With its deep shades of indigo and purple, the rug is depicts the Sahara desert under the moonlit sky,” he says.
Through his myriad musings, Adnani has taken creative journeys. Whether his ideas manifest into reality or not is secondary to the process. What’s important is the way in which each one ties closely to his creative growth, just like the intricate knots of his rugs.