Light cotton blouse in midnight navy blue, with contrasting white hand stitching. Features a small ruff at the neck, a wide micro-pleated ruffle at the waist, and fastens with ties at the back. Due to the handmade nature of these shirts, each special piece is subtly unique. Designed for a loose fit.

Karu is a line of artisanal home textiles and clothing founded on the connection between thoughtful design and living well. Now shipping to the U.S. and Europe.

Karu

The Poet Blouse In Midnight

Size

Blouses

Cotton button-down blouse in a bright, cobalt-tone 'Ceramic Blue' with hand-stitched detailing in contrasting white thread. Features a voluminous sleeve that narrows to a wide cuff and fastens with four hand-carved bone buttons. Designed for a loose and easy fit. This best-selling blouse is part of our permanent collection, and available in multiple color-ways, including white, midnight blue, terra-cotta and dusty pink. Due to the handmade nature of these shirts, each special piece is subtly unique.
Pair with the Trader's Trousers in Ceramic Blue.

The Potter's Blouse In Ceramic Blue

Hand woven mohair rug featuring an abstracted design of a 'kraal', the South African term for a cattle or other farm animal enclosure, in storm grey and charcoal, against an ivory background. A design collaboration with South African rug producer Frances Van Hasselt, each piece is made within a local and ethical South African supply chain that centers around the Van Hasselt family Angora goat farm in Prince Albert. Angora goats are shorn for the raw mohair fibre, which is then hand spun and woven by skilled artisans at looms in a studio directly on the farm.
Each rug takes 6-8 weeks to produce (size depending) and is made to order. Please choose from a standard size below, or email us at for custom sizing and color variations.
From $650 per m2. This price is inclusive of international shipping from South Africa; South African customers can email us for local pricing.
Learn more about how the rugs are made, here.

Karu X Frances V. H. 'kraal I' Mohair Rug

Rugs

Crisp cotton poplin shirt block printed by hand with stripes in indigo blue. Features a beautiful, structured-unstructured cut that is longer in the back, with hand carved bone buttons down the front.

Striped Boyfriend Shirt

Shirts & Blouses

Resist block printed pure cotton shirt featuring a tiny 'scrub' motif that references the low-lying fynbos flowers of South Africa. Seen here in a deep midnight blue color, it features hand carved buttons and can be worn out during the day, or as a sleep set with the matching shorts or drawstring pants. The unisex cut is slim but easy and looks great alone or layered with other pieces, making it the perfect style for all seasons. Due to the handmade nature of these shirts, each special piece is subtly unique.

Scrub Print Shirt In Midnight Blue

Handwoven blouse in micro-striped blue and white khadi cotton. Features a straight, narrow body, with uniquely constructed voluminous sleeves that taper to a narrow single button fastening just above the wrist. Hand-stitching along the seams, a handmade ceramic button and a rounded, neat collar complete the details of this charming shirt. Due to the handmade nature of these shirts, each special piece is subtly unique.

The Author's Blouse In Khadi Cotton

Cotton blouse with hand stitched detailing. Features a voluminous sleeve that narrows at the cuff and fastens with hand carved bone buttons. Available in white with dark grey stitching, or terracotta with black stitching. Designed for a loose and easy fit. Due to the handmade nature of these shirts, each special piece is subtly unique.

The Potter's Blouse In White

Hand built bottle-shaped vessel , in a saturated blue glaze, by Jade Paton. Can be used as a functional vase (holds water), or displayed as a sculpture piece.
Height: 10” (25cm)
Width: 5” (12cm)
Jade Paton is a Cape Town-based potter whose work is inspired by ancient vessels, as well as forms found in nature, architecture, design and contemporary art. The surfaces of the work are often raw and natural, as if they have emerged from the earth. The sculptures feel both ancient and futuristic—a strange, beautiful juxtaposition of old and new.
Please select the 'Ceramics' shipping option at checkout. Our ceramics are packaged in a 100% recycled eco-packaging alternative to bubble wrap.
Please note that when this item sells out, it will become available for pre-order with a 3-4 month delivery lead time, by emailing us at 

Jade Paton Vessel 03 In Burgundy Glaze

Title

Home & Furniture

Shallow serving bowl in soft-white glazed stoneware—a versatile size and shape that will suit many dishes and occasions. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, who develop and craft their own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
16" in diameter X 2.8" high

Mervyn Gers Flat Serving Bowl In White Glaze

Serving Bowls

Stoneware dinner plate in 'Blouberg Blue' glaze—named after a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa . Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, who develop and craft their own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
Co-ordinate with the side plate in blue, or mix and match with other glazes.
11.5" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Dinner Plate In Blue Glaze

Dinner Plates

Stoneware side plate in 'Blouberg Blue' glaze, named after a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
Co-ordinate with the dinner plate in Blouberg Blue, or mix and match with other glazes.
7.5" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Side Plate In Blue Glaze

Salad & Appetizer Plates

Stoneware teapot in 'Blouberg Blue' glaze, named after a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa. The pot is sized to pour 4 cups of tea or coffee. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
6" high X 5.5" in diameter. Holds 1000ml (32 fl oz)

Mervyn Gers Teapot In Blue Glaze

Teapots & Kettles

Stoneware egg cup in 'Blouberg Blue' glaze—named after a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa. A charming addition to your breakfast setting. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
4" high X 3.5" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Egg Cup In Blue Glaze

Drink & Glassware

Stoneware side plate in a soft-white glaze. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, who develop and craft their own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
Co-ordinate with the dinner plate in white, or mix and match with other glazes.
7.5" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Side Plate In White Glaze

Stoneware egg cup in a speckled brown and cream glaze, reminiscent of an ostrich egg . A charming addition to your breakfast setting. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
4" high X 3.5" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Egg Cup In Ostrich Egg Glaze

Constructed in a weighty close-knit cotton, this slouchy cardigan is distress-dyed in our signature Karu Blue the color stormy open skies. Featuring a deep V neckline, mismatched handmade-and-painted ceramic buttons, and two small pockets, this versatile knit is beautiful over dresses and shirts and makes for the perfect not-too-bulky layer underneath a winter coat.
Designed for a long, slightly oversized fit.

Weighty Cotton Cardigan With Ceramic Buttons

Cardigans

Handwoven cotton cushion cover in cream, f eaturing a contemporary and delicate interpretation of traditional tribal textile design in dark blue-black. Hand spun and woven by female artisans in North Eastern India, on traditional back-strap looms, these cushions are a beautiful accent for the living room or bed. Features handmade cotton tassels and a covered zipper closure. Due to the handmade nature of these cushions, each one is subtly unique.
Size 18” x 18” (45 x 45 cm)
Insert sold separately.

Beaufort Cushion In Cream With Tassels

Insert

Accent Pillows: White & Beige

Moderately sized stoneware jug in a soft-white glaze. An ideally-sized vessel for holding milks, oils, vinegars or sauces. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
6.5" high X 3.2" in diameter. Holds 300ml (10 fl oz)

Mervyn Gers Milk Jug In White Glaze

Pitchers & Jugs

Moderately-sized stoneware cup in 'Blouberg Blue' glaze, named after a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
2.75" high X 2.75" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Coffee Cup In Blue Glaze

Coffee Mugs

Moderately-sized stoneware cup in a soft-white glaze. Hand thrown in the studio of Mervyn Gers Ceramics, which develops and crafts its own clay and glazes to create tableware that is both incredibly durable, and light. The handmade quality of each piece—that is thrown, pressed and glazed by hand—brings an un-uniform warmth and beauty to the table. Mervyn Gers Ceramics provides skills training in pottery to its 45 employees from the local Cape Town community where the studio is based.
2.75" high X 2.75" in diameter.

Mervyn Gers Coffee Cup In White Glaze

Set of two non-medical drawstring face masks in soft hand-printed cotton. Each set contains two masks: one in plain midnight blue cotton, and the second resist printed with a micro flower motif—both made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions. Crafted in a double layer of fabric that can be ruched and adjusted for a custom fit around the face, the masks fasten behind the head with two ties. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Face Masks In Midnight Blue Cotton

Our very prettiest print in a holiday gift set. Crafted in pure cotton or linen, featuring hand block-printed illustrations of Fynbos—a family of flora indigenous to South Africa.
Includes 1 X hand block printed cotton Fynbos quilt in twin size, 1 X co-ordinating linen pillow cover (insert not included) and the cotton Fynbos robe.

Fynbos Print Bedding & Robe Gift Set

Gift Ideas

Set of two non-medical drawstring face masks in the softest handwoven khadi cotton. Each set contains two masks: one in blue and white gingham cotton, and one in black and white gingham cotton—both made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions. Crafted in a double layer of fabric that can be ruched and adjusted for a custom fit around the face, the masks fasten behind the head with two ties. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Face Masks In Gingham Khadi Cotton

Set of two bandanas in soft pure cotton—made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions—that can also double as face coverings. Each set contains two bandanas, one in hand block printed striped cotton, and one in midnight blue cotton. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Two Bandanas In Midnight Blue Cotton

Delicately handwoven cotton robe and baby quilt, in a holiday gift set for mother & baby. Crafted in pure cotton, featuring two beautifully intricate yet minimal weaves: Jamdani for the baby quilt, and ikat for the robe.
Includes 1 X Dot Baby Quilt, and the long cotton Ikat Robe in Ivory.

Dot-dash Mother & Baby Gift Set

Set of two non-medical drawstring face masks in soft 100% cotton. Each set contains two masks: one in white and red striped khadi cotton, and one in black and grey hand block printed striped cotton—both made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions. Crafted in a double layer of fabric that can be ruched and adjusted for a custom fit around the face, the masks fasten behind the head with two ties. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Face Masks In Striped Cotton

Delicately handwoven cotton robe and twin size quilt, in a holiday gift set. Crafted in pure cotton, featuring two beautifully intricate yet minimal weaves: Jamdani for the twin quilt, and ikat for the robe.
Includes 1 X Dot Quilt in twin size, and the long cotton Ikat Robe in Ivory.

Dot-dash Quilt & Robe Gift Set

Set of two bandanas in soft pure cotton—made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions—that can also double as face coverings. Each set contains two bandanas, one in hand block printed cherry red cotton featuring our 'Scrub' motif, and one in red and white striped khadi cotton. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Two Bandanas In Cherry Red And White Cotton

Set of two non-medical drawstring face masks in the softest handwoven khadi cotton. Each set contains two masks: one in blue and white gingham cotton, and one in white and red striped cotton—both made from up-cycled fabric off-cuts from previous productions. Crafted in a double layer of fabric that can be ruched and adjusted for a custom fit around the face, the masks fasten behind the head with two ties. Reusable and washable.
This item is final sale.

Set Of Face Masks In Khadi Cotton

Angora goatskin rug, un-dyed to beautifully showcase the silky luster and soft curl of the coat. From Angora goats raised on the Van Hasselt family farm in South Africa. Each skin is the by-product of an animal that has died of natural causes— a part of the eco-system of the farm where our mohair rugs are woven, and goats are farmed ethically and with care.
Size: 32 X 44 inches approximately. Due to the nature of these rugs, each rug has slight variations in color and shape.
Very limited quantities available. Re-stocked and ships Dec 5