"Water Wave" wool bracelet, handwoven in Tibet · CHARU × Tsoten

A striking, densely woven wool bracelet in black and off-white, whose delicate pattern is reminiscent of the ripples in flowing water. The design draws inspiration from the headwaters of the Yangtze River, in whose highlands the village of Tsoten lies at an elevation of about 4,600 m—the round metal button also features an embossed wave motif. The bracelet is woven using a technique passed down by nomads for generations to make belts, ropes, saddle blankets, and shepherds’ slings; even experienced weavers need at least five hours to complete each bracelet. It fastens with the button, which is threaded through a loop at the end of the band; the open ends taper into short fringes.

The ribbons are made in a weavers' cooperative in the village of Tsoten in the Tibetan Highlands. Since 2019, CHARU has been working with former herders there to preserve weaving as a source of livelihood. Many members of the cooperative are elderly.

CHARU connects designers with artisan cooperatives in the Tibetan cultural region and uses these connections to develop products that bring traditional techniques into everyday life.

Width: 1.3 cm · Length without fringes: 18 cm (± 0.5 cm) · Wool · Button made of copper-nickel alloy · Metal plaque made of zinc alloy · Handwoven in the Tibetan Highlands