Ikat (pronounced ee-kat) is the oldest known patterned textile in the world, with a history that spans across multiple cultures. Though the exact date of origin is unclear, it is known that silk Ikat robes were coveted by tribal leaders thousands of years ago and were traded along the Silk Road.

Oshima, Japanese Ikat

Javanese for “to tie” or “to bind”, Ikat designs are made across the globe from Japan, Bali, Thailand, Cambodia and India to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Guatemala. In many of these cultures, Ikat has been a traditional art of native people for thousands of years, such as the Andes people in South America and the Khmer people in Thailand.

Cambodian Ikat

Guatemalan Ikat

Ikat is as popular as ever and it’s a great textile to add color and pattern to a home and to make a room more eclectic. Here are some new takes on Ikat for the home:

Terai Folding Chair at Anthropologie

Koko Pillow at 2Modern

Ikat Rug from ABC Carpet