Drawing inspiration from the great traditions
of Afghan art and incorporating new design
technologies that link the past with the future,
Turquoise Mountain is proud to present its latest
gift catalogue. The collection brings together the
rich natural resources and the innate creativity
of Afghanistan and showcases the passion and
talent of our ustad master artisans. Gracefully
blending the classical with the contemporary, all
the products in this catalogue are hand-crafted
in our workshop studios in Kabul by master
craftsmen and women using materials indigenous
to Afghanistan. From carved walnut and cedar
panjare lattice screens to lapis lazuli mined for over
6000 years in Badakhshan and set into charms or
cufflinks, Turquoise Mountain remains committed
to an ongoing revival of Afghan arts and crafts
with the ultimate aim of creating a thriving art and
design community from one end of Afghanistan
to the other.
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Emerald,
ruby, sapphire, amethyst,
aquamarine,
kunzite,
garnet,
tourmaline and lapis lazuli, beautifully
set in silver and gold, conjure up the timeless
beauty and richness of Afghanistan. These
incredible gems, traded for millennia along the
legendary Silk Route in the bustling bazaars of both
east and west, are once again reclaiming their rightful
place in the world market.
Turquoise Mountain, in collaboration with Pippa Small,
the renowned designer and anthropologist, as well
as other talented masters in the art of cutting and
setting precious gems, have created a unique
jewellery collection inspired by traditional
Afghan designs and motifs celebrating
the spirit and history of this
extraordinary land.
All jewellery is available in 18k gold, silver and 18k gold plated silver.
Please note that all our jewellery is handmade and stones may vary slightly
in colour and size as each precious gem is individually selected.
Multi-charm necklace and bracelet with kuchi bird, aquamarine,
chrysocolla and ruby flowers
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Kunzite, aquamarine and peridot amulets in silver
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Kuchi bird charm in silver
This bird is inspired by the rich tribal traditions of Afghanistan.
Kuchi in Persian means “those who move.”
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Chrysocolla charm in silver
Chrysocolla, the stone of peace and harmony, is one of copper’s crystal
offspring. It is also known as Bamiyan Turquoise, from where the stone is mined.
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Lapis lazuli ring and drop earrings in silver
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Lapis lazuli charm in silver
Lapis lazuli has been mined in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan
for over 6,000 years. Lapis lazuli is the stone of truth and friendship.
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Turquoise Mountain cufflinks in turquoise or lapis lazuli and silver
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Chrysocolla and lapis lazuli necklace in silver
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Lapis lazuli ring and drop earrings in 18k gold plated silver
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Lapis lazuli charm in 18k gold plated silver
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Hand-carved pomegranate motif earrings in silver and 18k gold plated silver
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Hand-carved pomegranate motif ring in silver and 18k gold plated silver
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Kunzite single-drop earrings in silver
Amethyst single-drop earrings with silk pouch
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Amethyst single-drop earrings in silver
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Kuchi bird and aquamarine bracelet in silver
Double aquamarine ring in silver
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Aquamarine single-drop earrings in silver
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Solitaire rings in silver
(ruby, emerald, aquamarine, peridot and amethyst)
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Double emerald ring in gold
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Amethyst necklace in silver
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Amethyst double-drop earrings in silver
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Double amethyst ring in silver
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Kuchi bird and amethyst bracelet in silver
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Amethyst, peridot, aquamarine and kunzite amulets
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Silver bird charm with emerald eyes
The bird motif is a recurring theme in Afghan art and poetry
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Silver bird earrings with emerald eyes
Also available with ruby eyes in 18k gold plated silver
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“Turquoise Mountain” calligraphy coin charm in silver (front)
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Calligraphy in silver (back)
“I am a bird of the spiritual garden, I don’t belong to this earthly world.”
Maulauna Jalaluddin Balkhi Rumi
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C a l l i g r a p h y,
the summit of creativity
in Islamic art and architecture, is
alive and well at Turquoise Mountain.
From the tenth century to the present day,
calligraphy has played an important part in the
cultural and artistic life of Afghanistan.
Illuminated Qur’ans, epic poems of love and conquest
and architectural calligraphy on the decorated walls of
mosques and palaces are all part of the deep tradition
which continues to inspire our master calligraphers.
Classically trained in all of the major schools of
Arabic and Persian calligraphy as well as the art
of gilded illumination, our calligraphers create
beautiful works on handmade paper ranging
from a Bismillah invocation to the mystical
poetry of Rumi, light-hearted proverbs,
greeting cards and even a specially
commissioned greeting for
your loved one.
We accept calligraphy commissions in all traditional scripts.
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Traditional arabesque on paper, 30 x 25 cm (11 x 9 in)
by Ustad Mohammed Mehdi Banaiee
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“Listen to the presences inside poems. Let them take you where they would.”
Rumi
Traditional calligraphy on paper, 100 x 100 cm (39.37 x 39.37 in)
by Ustad Abdul Saboor Omari , Illumination by Ustad Mohammed Mehdi Banaiee
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Love turns thorns into flowers
Calligraphy on paper, 30 x 25 cm (11 x 9 in)
by Ustad Abdul Saboor Omari
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Life passes in a fleeting moment, so spend it wisely in obedience to God
Calligraphy on paper, 30 x 25 cm (11 x 9 in)
by Ustad Abdul Saboor Omari
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God has power over everything
Calligraphy on paper, 30 x 25 cm (11 x 9 in)
by Ustad Abdul Hadi Fahim
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The World is Beautiful
Contemporary calligraphy on paper, 30 x 30 cm (11 x 11 in)
by Ustad Mohammed Tamim Sahebzada
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Painted flower inspired by Gazur Gah Shrine in Herat, 20 x 13 cm (8 x 5 in)
by Ustad Mohammed Mehdi Banaiee
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The story goes that ancient
myths and legends are woven
and embroidered into the
beautiful fabric of Afghan
textiles. Turquoise Mountain
is partnering with talented
local designers and weavers
to promote the silk weaving
tradition
of
Afghanistan
passed down from generation
to generation.
Delicate bolts of fine silk,
dyed, woven and embroidered
in a brilliant rainbow of
colours, weave together a
future of hope, promise and
possibility for this endangered
and precious tradition. In our
collection, we showcase the
silken creations of Azana, Zarif
Design and Saleh Mohammed.
Azana
Azana creates exceptional, hand-made
silk scarves of lasting beauty, true to
Afghanistan’s long tradition of silk artistry.
Azana empowers deprived members of
Afghan society by providing Afghan widows,
female orphans and women in need with
the specialized skills necessary to weave silk
scarves and thus earn a sustainable living.
www.azana.net
Azana
Hand-woven scarves
Pure silk
80 x 40 cm
(71 x 16 in)
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Saleh Silk
Zarif Design
Silk weaving is an ancient industry for the
people of Herat, one that unfortunately has
been destroyed. In Peshawar, at the age of
18, Saleh Mohammad Facoor, began to learn
all he could about this ancient craft. With
the help of international organizations and
with his knowledge and perseverance, Saleh
Mohammad Facoor has worked to regenerate
the Afghan skill of handloom weaving silk. In
2008, Turquoise Mountain helped to finance
his silk workshop in Kabul. Eight looms are
now used for producing scarves and shawls.
Zarif Design (meaning ‘precious’ or ‘fine’ in
Persian) creates high quality clothing for
women and men, reinterpreting traditional
Afghan
materials,
embroidery
and
craftsmanship such as calligraphy to render
elegant modern designs that successfully
merge Eastern attire with contemporary
Western fashion. Through this work, Zarif
Design introduces Afghan culture to the
wider world whilst creating economic
opportunities for Afghan women and men.
Saleh Silk, hand-woven silk scarves
202 x 69 cm (79.8 x 27 in)
Zarif Design, hand-woven silk scarves with woodblock printing
www.zarifdesign.com
202 x 69 cm (79.8 x 27 in)
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Zarif Design, hand-woven silk scarves with woodblock printing
Colors: Golden, blue, beige, purple - 202 x 69 cm (79.8 x 27 in)
Turquoise Mountain hand-carved wood block (not for sale)
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Carved
panjare lattice
screens,
decorative wall panels and boxes for
dried fruits and nuts find pride of
place in traditional Afghan homes.
Having spent years perfecting their
craft, our skilled carvers now create
specially designed gift pieces for home,
office and memorable occasions. The
collection ranges from handcrafted
chess sets to Nuristani statues and
delicate candle stands. Each piece is a
work of art stamped with the touch of
a master from our workshop.
Triangular box in walnut
Medium: 12 x 10 cm (4.7 x 3.9 in)
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Triangular boxes in walnut
L: 14.5 x 12.7 cm (5.7 x 5 in)
M: 12 x 10 cm (4.7 x 3.9 in)
S: 9 x 8 cm (3.5 x 3.14 in)
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Carved box in walnut
26 x 33 cm (10.2 x 12.9 in)
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Traditional Afghan fruit box with Nuristani carving in walnut
22 x 26.5 x 26.5 cm (8.6 x 10.4 x 10.4 in)
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Traditional Afghan fruit box with Nuristani carving in walnut
22 x 26.5 x 26.5 cm (8.6 x 10.4 x 10.4 in)
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D.01
D.05
D.02
D.06
D.03
D.07
D.04
D.08
Extra small Nuristani panels in cedar
32 x 11 cm (12.5 x 4.3 in)
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D.09
Small classical panel in walnut
28 x 17 cm (11 x 6.6 in)
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D.10
D.13
D.14
D.11
D.12
Letter holders in walnut and cedar with classical and Nuristani designs
11 x 14.5 cm (4.3 x 5.7 in)
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D.15
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D.16
D.17
D.18
D.19
Large cedar and walnut panels with Nuristani or classical designs
45 x 50 cm (7.7 x 19.6 in)
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D.20
D.21
D.23
D.22
D.24
All decorative carved panels are available in a variety of sizes and designs.
We also take commissions for carved bed headboards, cabinets and other
furniture.
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D.25
Limited edition chess boards with hand carved chess pieces
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Limited edition chess boards with hand carved chess pieces
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Traditional Nuristani sculpture, newlyweds embracing
Available in various sizes
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Coaster sets in cedar and walnut with Nuristani designs
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Photo frames and mirrors in cedar and walnut with Nuristani designs
20 x 20 cm (7.8 x 7.8 in)
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Small and big chest with traditional
Nuristani carving, in cedar or walnut
L: 59 x 46 x 40 cm (23 x 18.5 x 15.5 in)
M: 47 x 38 x 33 cm (18.5 x 15 x 13 in)
S: 37 x 27 x 23 cm (15 x 11 x 9 in)
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Side table in cedar with
classical or Nuristani designs
44 x 60 cm (17 x 25 in)
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Mini-panjare screens with candle base
Flower motif: 22 x 33 cm (8 x 8 in),
Round spider motif: 24 x 36 cm (9 x 10 in),
Square spider motif: 23 x 38 cm (9 x 14 in)
Mini-panjare square spider screen
with candle base
23 x 38 cm (9 x 15 in)
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Black walnut and cedar panjare screen with base
24 x 20 cm (9.5 x 8 in)
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Limited edition replica boxes of Shah Jahan’s Mosque from the
legendary Babur’s Garden in Kabul
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Afghan
artisans,
artists
&
designers
CONTACT & GENERAL ORDER INFO
To order from our catalogues please contact us at:
[email protected]
Tel. (Kabul): +93 (0) 795 276 045
Tel. (UK): +44(0) 1764 650 888
2nd Phase, Kart-e-Parwan
Behind Old British Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel. (Kabul): +93 (0) 795 276 045
Tel. (UK): +441 764 655 226
[email protected]
[email protected]
TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION IS THE OPERATIONAL NAME OF TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN TRUST REGISTERED
OFFICE: BROICH, CRIEFF PH7 3RX SCOTLAND
TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN TRUST REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND AS A CHARITY NO. SC037343 AND AS A COMPANY NO. SC299579
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For wholesale information:
[email protected]
Tel. (Kabul): +93 (0) 795 276 045
We also accept special orders, and our designers and craftsmen would be happy to work with you
to produce an exquisite, one-of-a-kind personal or corporate gift.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Turquoise Mountain Design & Production Team
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