charpoy, the art of sleeping

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I like Doshi-Levien team because they put traditional Indian lifestyle into international arena. They also add their own subtle modern changes to each design they put forward.

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Charpoy or as pronounced in Hindi ‘charpai’ or called ‘khat/khatia’ is latest from them.

Let us see charpoy in past and present perspective.

charpoy being restrug circa 1900 photo courtesy columbia.edu,ebay

A traditional charpoy is woven with rope (sutli) made of a particular plant.

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The rope bites a little into the skin so people sometimes upholster the charpoy with colourful clothes.

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This is still a common site in Indian villages.

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A modern day charpoy woven with white cotton rope.

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Another modern day charpoy with plastic rope.

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a very colourfully strung charpoy.

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Ah bliss! This is one of my favourite nook.