NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. This shawl by India's Syed Izaz Hussein is a woolen treasure in rich ruby red. Flowers and paisley leaves travel on sinuous vines the color of salmon and gold. They are revealed through the magnificence of aari embroidery, which is executed by hand with a hook needle. Artisan Info: "I was born in August, 1967, in the Kashmir valley, where the tradition of carpet weaving and chain stitching is as old as the land itself. Hailing from a family of Srinagar, I learned the art in my childhood, but it is for the last 12 years or so that I started off as an independent entrepreneur. "For chain stitching of carpets we use a hassle cotton base, sketch out the design or impress it with a wooden die prepared by our master designer. Then, four artisans begin chain-stitching with pure wool from four sides giving rise to a well-prepared structure. It takes around 8-10 days to make a rug, and together with our master craftsman in Srinagar, I do most of the designs. "The demand for chain-stitched rugs has increased, however, most people have been mistakenly led to believe that such sophisticated products are woven on a machine and they are thus hesitant to purchase. "I have not only taught this art to many people but also helped them in developing their own self-sufficient units. I have participated in several fairs in India and abroad - Singapore, for example - having received
