In the world of textile craftsmanship, few names resonate with artistry and heritage as deeply as Mantas Ezcaray. Renowned for its exceptional mohair blankets, shawls, and scarves, this family-run business from La Rioja, Spain, has been crafting fine textiles for almost a century. With roots dating back to the 1930s, Mantas Ezcaray is celebrated for its dedication to tradition, quality, and innovation—a rare combination that has cemented its status as a leader in luxury weaving.
The Legacy of Mantas Ezcaray: A Family Tradition
Mantas Ezcaray was founded in 1930 by Cecilio Valgañón and has remained a family-operated business ever since. What began as a small textile venture quickly evolved into a celebrated producer of artisan textiles, known specifically for its mohair pieces. Over the years, the family has passed down weaving techniques and values, preserving traditional methods while adapting to modern tastes. This commitment to heritage and innovation has allowed Mantas Ezcaray to stand out, even as mass-produced textiles became more prevalent.
Today, the fourth generation of the Valgañón family continues to lead Mantas Ezcaray, working to expand the brand's reach without compromising the craftsmanship and authenticity that have defined it for decades.
The Looms and the Craft of Weaving Mohair
Mantas Ezcaray’s signature pieces are woven on hand-operated wooden looms older than the factory itself—a rarity in modern textile production. These traditional looms allow for precision and flexibility in the weaving process, enabling artisans to create textures and patterns that are unattainable with machine-driven techniques. The looms allow artisans to monitor each stage of production, making it possible to adjust the weave as necessary and infuse each textile with a personalized touch. This hands-on approach ensures that every piece meets the exacting standards that Mantas Ezcaray is known for.
The Finest Mohair: Sourcing and Selection
Mantas Ezcaray’s blankets and scarves are crafted primarily from high-quality mohair wool sourced from the Angora goat. Angora goats produce long, silky fibers that are naturally lustrous and highly insulating, making mohair both breathable and warm. This luxurious fiber is prized for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightness, making it an ideal material for cozy, high-end textiles. The company carefully selects mohair for its luster and strength, ensuring that each piece has the desired sheen and long-lasting quality. The durability of mohair also adds to its appeal, as Mantas Ezcaray’s pieces are designed to be timeless items that last, evident by the fact that almost every family in La Rioja has at least one cherished mohair blanket in their home (ask Julia, Atacama Home’s owner, who is from La Rioja herself!).
Weaving Techniques: Marrying Skill with Tradition
Creating mohair textiles is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires skill, patience, and expertise. The yarn is carefully dyed to achieve vibrant, rich colors and then spun to the perfect weight and tension for weaving. Once woven, the fabric is brushed with natural thistles sourced from the forest surrounding the factory, an old-world technique that gives the blankets and scarves their distinctive softness and a fluffy, inviting texture.
Merging Tradition with Modern Design
While Mantas Ezcaray has stayed true to its traditional roots, it has also embraced modern design influences, creating pieces that resonate with contemporary tastes. The company collaborates with designers and artists to reinterpret classic patterns and explore new color combinations, infusing each piece with a fresh, current aesthetic.
From bold color blocks to minimalist monochromes, Mantas Ezcaray’s designs are versatile and sophisticated, suited for both modern and classic interiors. The brand’s use of vibrant colors and clean lines allows its blankets and scarves to serve as statement pieces that add warmth and character to any room. This seamless blend of tradition and modern design has made Mantas Ezcaray a favorite among interior designers and luxury enthusiasts around the world.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship in Every Piece
Mantas Ezcaray’s dedication to quality, tradition, and sustainability has made it a symbol of Spanish craftsmanship. Each blanket and scarf carries with it the legacy of the Valgañón family and the artistry of generations past. By blending old-world techniques with modern designs, Mantas Ezcaray creates textiles that are timeless yet relevant, embodying both the history and future of luxury home decor.
Owning a piece from Mantas Ezcaray means owning a piece of history, a work of art that celebrates the beauty of handcrafted textiles. Whether draped over a sofa, wrapped around your shoulders, or displayed as a decorative accent, these pieces offer warmth, elegance, and a touch of Spain’s rich artisan tradition—a true testament to the enduring art of mohair weaving.
Atacama Home is a proud retailer of Mantas Ezcaray -we always have at least a handful of colors and designs available! Check out our selection here: Mohair Blanket collection.