The Alhambra collection features the lush world of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This place, full of myths and legends, inspires the new Faux-Semblants line and mixes abundant vegetation with images of the melancholic face of Princess Zaïra. Signed by Rachel Convers, this collection is a transversal creation on Ming, Qing and Yuan vases which forms a complete table service.
The Alhambra Palace, located on the heights of the city of Granada, is named after the red colour of its walls. Its Nasrid architecture is based on Andalusian Arab architecture. The decorations of the palace are numerous and varied, the plant motif is the most used in the palace, embellished with numerous calligraphic decorations reproducing the words of the founder of the Nasrid dynasty as well as numerous poems written by the poets of the Court. The palace, surrounded by walls, is composed of different buildings and numerous gardens and fountains, it was a central place of the Muslim West.
The legend of Zaïra
According to the legend, Zaira was a princess who, while a guest in the palace one day, was imprisoned by her so-called father, a cruel king. Soon after, reading his diary, she discovered that he was not who he said he was and that he had killed the princess' parents in order to usurp her real father's identity and become king.
After discovering his imposture, she gathered the king and his eleven guards in the Patio de los Leones and used the strength of a talisman inherited from her mother to transform them into lion statues. This patio, a mystical place in the Alhambra Palace, is now called the Court of the Lions because of its fountain decorated with 12 stone lions.
A complete collection of Faux-Semblants
The Alhambra is one of the first great memories of the designer Rachel Convers. Three models of Faux-Semblants in the colours of the palace are edited by Ibride.
The containers and large plates of Yuan, ideal for the meal, dress the table with the grandeur of this palace. The cream-coloured exterior is a surprise when it is opened, where green and ochre colours immerse us in the floral and aquatic atmosphere of the palace.
The Ming service, adapted to appetizers and desserts, tells the story of the forgotten princess. The eyes of Zaira are interwoven with floral elements that are inseparable from the palace, as well as discreet fauna that provoke a moment of reflection and raise emotion.
Qing, on the other hand, contains a poetic floral melody from the world of the Alhambra and is suitable for contemporary hors d'oeuvres and dressings. Through mint green and powder pink hues, it delivers the poetic testimony of designer Rachel Convers.
Textes ©SaloméLaurent
Design ©RachelConvers
Crédits photos ©JorgeFernandez, PieterDeMalsche, Girlwithredhat, VidarNordiMathisen, NoéTirole
Sources
©alhambradegranada
