Set of 6 square plates, Ntshak pattern – Kuba Velvet

Geometric labyrinths inspired by scarification, embroidered in raffia velvet.

On the square plates, a vertical band crosses the surface: brown, ochre, rust and black geometric labyrinths stand out on a beige background. This set is our tribute to the iconic "Kuba Velvet" fabric, a reinterpretation we have named "Ntshak", the name of the raffia cloth worn by Kuba women (DR Congo).

🌀 The history of the pattern

In the Kuba kingdom, in Kasaï, Shoowa men weave palm fiber and women embroider it into velvet, following geometric labyrinths inspired by scarification: pieces so precious that they served as currency or covered the royal throne.

• Ntshak (DR Congo, Kuba): the raffia cloth of Kuba women.
• Kasaï Velvet (DR Congo): raffia fabrics that Shoowa men weave and women embroider.

✨ What the pattern tells

The pattern speaks of patient work: a velvet can take from several months to a year. It evokes prestigious fabrics, given as gifts or used as currency. It is given as a sign of prestige and patience, echoing these fabrics.

Our reinterpretation

The vertical band takes up the labyrinths of Kuba Velvet in brown, ochre, rust, beige and black colors. The pieces are decorated to order in our Alfortville workshop: pattern prepared, applied and hand-enameled before firing. They are presented in a 31 × 31 × 10 cm packaging box.

At your table

In the soft light of a morning or a dinner, on a raw linen tablecloth, the brown and ochre labyrinths accompany the exchanges between guests. The set is given as a gift to celebrate a special moment, echoing the prestigious fabrics and the patient time of velvet.

Characteristics

• Contents: 6 plates of your choice: 2 large, 2 dessert and 2 deep, or 3 large and 3 dessert, at the same price (the photos show the version with deep plates).
• Colors: brown, ochre, rust, beige and black.
• Material: porcelain.
• Large plate: 26.7 × 26.7 cm, height 4 cm.
• Dessert plate: 20 × 20 cm, height 2.8 cm.
• Deep plate: 17.3 × 17.3 cm, height 5.5 cm.
• Box: 1 box of 31 × 31 × 10 cm, approximately 3.5 kg.
• Personalization: colors, first name, date or short message upon request; composition of your choice.
• In case of breakage: replacement of the individual piece is possible, same pattern and same dimensions, as long as the shape remains in the catalog.
• In the same pattern: breakfast set, textured mug; other matching pieces can be made upon request.

Write to us to personalize your set and give a pattern that celebrates the patient time of Kuba Velvet.