Surrounded by a wall and palm grove, the medina “red city” in Marrakech is builded of beaten clay, which were built during the residence of the Almohads. The heart of the medina is Jamaa el-Fna square, a vibrant marketplace between 1001 nights. Artist, musicians and magicians are filling up the Jamaa el_Fna Square. What is KULA doing in the middle of Marrakech?
KULA Berlin is traveling and searching always to get new inspiration and meeting up handcrafts to learn how to use and how to produce in a traditional way materials. We are here to learn about color combinations and natural pigments, which we are using for our candles and concrete planters.
Our first destinations are the souks. We are visiting Herbalist Stores and get involved in a small chat about Moroccan decorative art. It is is characterized by the prominent use of six colors: White, Black, Green, Red, Yellow and Majorelle Blue.
Marrakech, a bustling city nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, beckons travelers with its rich history and vibrant culture. Today, I had the privilege of delving into the world of handcrafts and artistry that thrives within this Moroccan gem. Join me as I take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Marrakech, where the skilled hands of its people weave magic into every masterpiece.
The Medina: A Labyrinth of Creativity
Stepping into the ancient Medina of Marrakech felt like wandering into an enchanting world of colors and textures. The narrow alleys teemed with artisan workshops, each specializing in a unique craft. Here, talented leatherworkers, skilled weavers, and expert metalworkers breathed life into their creations, a testament to the centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.
The Souks: Treasure Troves of Handcrafts
Venturing deeper into the Medina, I found myself immersed in the bustling souks, vibrant markets that overflowed with handcrafted wonders. The scent of Moroccan spices filled the air as I marveled at the intricate mosaic tiles, beautifully embroidered textiles, and dazzling lanterns that adorned the stalls. Each shopkeeper shared the stories behind their creations, their passion palpable in every word they spoke.
Leather Tanneries: A Feast for the Senses
Following the tantalizing aroma, I stumbled upon the renowned leather tanneries of Marrakech. Here, craftsmen showcased their ancient techniques of transforming raw hides into supple leather. With my eyes wide open, I watched as they skillfully dipped the leather in vibrant dyes, creating a mesmerizing palette of colors. The meditative rhythm of their work was a true art form in itself, and the result was a treasure trove of leather goods that beckoned travelers from afar.
Carpet Weaving: A Symphony of Colors
I couldn’t resist the allure of the carpet weavers’ workshops, where looms stood like artistic palettes. With nimble fingers, the weavers spun tales of Moroccan heritage through intricately woven patterns. Their carpets, alive with vibrant hues and geometric designs, were a celebration of Moroccan identity and culture. Witnessing their dedication to preserving this ancient craft left me in awe of their artistry.
Pottery Studios: The Earth’s Canvas
As the sun began to set, I found myself drawn to the pottery studios, where clay was transformed into works of art. The potter’s wheel spun gracefully beneath their skillful hands, shaping vases, plates, and tagines. The rich blue hues, inspired by the color of the Moroccan sky, adorned the pottery like a mesmerizing tapestry, while traditional geometric patterns paid homage to the country’s diverse heritage.
As blue as the sea and yellow as a sunflower field, the Jardin Majorelle meets you with its beauty and peace. Large trees form shadows and provide a comfortable calm peaceful place and cool down the temperature. The “Blue Garden” named after the founder, the French painter Jacques Majorelle. He spent a life, around 40 years, to build his garden with a perfection of color and environment and placement of succulents and cacti plants, small fountains and the sound of water falling and large blue and yellow pots filled with flowers. Every single piece is placed with care.
” This garden is a momentous task, to which I give myself entirely.” Jacques Majorelle.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the Jardin Majorelle in 1980 and saved it from falling victim to a real estate project and becoming a hotel complex.
At this place we got inspired to create majorelle blue succulent planters, dedicated to Jacques Majorelle. Clear lines and cobalt blue.
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