If you’re looking for something exotic in a Christmas present then go no farther than 5 Route 7 in Falls Village where John Robshaw offers unusual pillows and bedding and furniture and odds and ends, much of it from India.
Hand Painted Tapestry $1,400
On a recent visit the proprietor, asked to showcase a variety of goods with a wide range of prices, started with an expensive item, a hand painted tapestry of a camel, made in Jaipur, India in the 1950s. Robshaw said Jaipur is known for producing these colorful interior murals.
Pillows Starting at $225
In the next room was an array of patch pillows from India and embroidered pillows from Uzbekistan.
Copper Cups $60
Nearby on a shelf in a cupboard were Lassi cups, made of burnished copper and brass and with intricate etched designs. Robshaw said people often use them as vases.
South Indian Figures $20
Next to them were little painted clay figurines representing local deities from South India. Robshaw said making the figurines is a cottage industry in an area with limited jobs. It’s a pretty good bet that your favorite aunt does not have one of these on the knickknack shelf.
Handmade wooden rings from Jaipur $100
“This is a nice story,” said Robshaw, a natural raconteur. “They’re made by Muslim women who do not have a lot of job opportunities.”
Box of cards $35
Next to the rings were boxes of hand screened greeting cards made from recycled cotton and adorned with Indian patterns.
Address: 5 US-7, Falls Village, CT
Social: @johnrobshaw
Web: www.johnrobshaw.com
