Who we are ?
In the radiant streets of Safi, Morocco, the Illi legacy began in 1912 under the skilled hands of Allal Kalkhi, affectionately known as H’rawkou. Inheriting the art of pottery from his father, who traded in Safi’s bustling markets, H’rawkou’s journey commenced in the vibrant era of Moroccan tradition. Today, spanning over a century, ILLI BASIN Co. proudly continues this heritage, preserving the essence of Safi’s pottery tradition while infusing it with contemporary design sensibilities. Just as H’rawkou’s craftsmanship stood as a beacon of Moroccan artistry, our artisans uphold his legacy, crafting exquisite basins that embody the spirit of Safi’s storied past and the promise of its future.
Generations of Artistry
The legacy of ILLI Basin traces back to 1912 in Safi, Morocco, where Allal Kalkhi, also known as H'rawkou (1st generation), laid the foundation of our craftsmanship. Inspired by his father's trade in Safi's bustling markets, H'rawkou's passion for pottery ignited a tradition that was passed down to his son, continuing through the generations. In an era where Safi's ceramics were integral to daily life, they specialized in crafting exquisite basins and pottery pieces, setting the standard for timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
Crafting Tradition, the evolution of our Artistry
In the mid-part of the 19th century, as industrialization began to overshadow traditional ceramic craftsmanship, the brothers Boujemaa & Mohamed Kalkhi (2nd Generation) took the reins, mentored by the esteemed Master Lamali. Embracing Lamali's teachings, the Kalkhi's borthers skillfully merged time-honored techniques with innovative methods, marking a transformative era in ILLI Basin's legacy.
This collaboration heralded the emergence of a unique artistic vision, blending Safi's enduring ceramic traditions with Lamali's forward-thinking approach. Boujemaa's mastery under Lamali's guidance not only elevated craftsmanship but also laid the groundwork for a lasting heritage, epitomizing the seamless fusion of traditional expertise with contemporary sensibilities
Legacy Unveiled: The Pioneering Journey of the Kalkhi's legacy
As a protégé of the esteemed Master Lamali, Master Mohamed Kalkhi (3rd generation), descendant of Master Boujemaa (2nd Generation), established himself as a ceramist of exceptional talent and creativity from a young age. Educated and methodical, he quickly gained renown within the region for the Kalkhi workshop's innovative approach and designs in pottery. In a historic milestone for their family's legacy, Master Mohamed became one of the first Moroccan artisans to exhibit their craft abroad, with exhibitions in France and the UK starting in 1954
Safeguarding Tradition, Embracing Innovation: The ILLI Pottery Legacy
In 1983, the reins were passed to Yassine, the son of Master Mohamed, also known as H'rawkou. A passionate innovator and artist, Yassine emerged as a steward of tradition and a catalyst for change. With a background in architecture and inspiration drawn from international ceramic pioneers, he infused Safi pottery with innovative techniques from around the world, ushering it into the digital age and broadening its global influence. The brand, now known as "ILLI," epitomizes a legacy of artistry handed down through generations.