Palbeu Midnight

A deep navy field with a round garland medallion at the centre, eight small sprays around it, a large red peony and golden lotus leaf in each corner, and a saffron band of lotus scrolls at the edge. Deep blue is the colour of the Medicine Buddha and of the night sky, and the peonies and lotus leaves glow against it the way offerings glow on a dark altar. The plan is the eight petalled lotus of Blush Peony set in depth: a seat in the middle, eight directions round it, the whole floating in blue. Deep blues belong in the quieter rooms, a bedroom, a study, a prayer corner.

• Palbeu
• Eight directions
• Hand-knotted