Nzuri Textiles pillows and throws are not the sort of things you buy casually. They are expensive and exquisitely made, more investment pieces than home accessories.
Eno Jonah founded the sustainable luxury brand in 2014 to bring the craftsmanship of weavers and makers she’s encountered in her travels stateside. Eno designs the textiles in her studio in the Sierra foothills of Nevada City, CA, then works with weavers in West Africa to interpret her designs.
“The designs for our handwoven and hand-painted textiles are derived from those found in vintage African textiles and other African arts. Some of these sources are from my own personal collection while others are found in books on African textiles. These sources serve as starting points,” says Eno, who is Nigerian-American.
As for the end points, they are beautiful. Here’s a sampling:
Above: From the Nzuri website: “Nzuri sources materials locally, produces its own dyes, and uses environmentally conscious and sustainable production methods.” The handwoven Samburu Pillow, like all Nzuri pillows, features a goose down and feather insert. Above: The Bamako Pillow is woven using a strip weave technique. Above: From the website: “Our Grade A cashmere fiber is sourced from local herders who employ ecologically-approved methods in maintaining their herds.” The Palermo Cashmere Blanket, pictured in natural soft white with charcoal, is also available in a blue colorway. Above: Eno finds inspiration for her designs from vintage textiles, some of which she sells on her website. “I collect vintage (pre-1940) textiles from my travels. I have a large collection of Nigerian and Guatemalan textiles, some dating back to pre-1900,” she says. This Vintage Aso-Oke, handwoven using natural brown cotton, is “Nigerian weaving at its best.” Above: Eno makes a point of visiting her weavers and workshops every year.
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