Archive for February 2012

There are three general categories of Oriental rugs that consumers would be interested in buying. Each category has its own distinctive style, and reflects the purpose for which the rug was made. Whether you choose a nomadic, village or workshop rug, you will own a thing of beauty and superb artisanship.

Nomadic rugs

As their name implies, nomadic rugs were made by wandering tribes. They were made for personal use, as opposed to being an item that the maker was planning to sell for profit. These types of rugs were used for practical purposes as well as ceremonial ones.

Rug makers would work from memory to create attractive designs and these patterns were handed down from generation to generation. As a result, they reflected the culture of the tribes that made them through their patterns and the techniques used to fashion them.

Nomadic rugs are known for their simple designs and primary colours. The overall design tends to be asymmetrical, which results in a unique floor covering. These types of rugs were made using thick wool and as a result, the weave is coarser than with other, later Oriental rugs. These types of rugs often have inaccuracies or mistakes in them but these are considered signs of character and distinguishing marks of the original weaver.

Village rugs

In contrast to nomadic grey rugs, village rugs were made by women working at home with the intention of selling them. These rugs, fashioned using bright colours and designs, reflected the creativity of the weaver. Tribal patterns influenced their designs, and the overall effect was a more sophisticated product than the one found in nomadic rugs.

Village rug makers would take a traditional design and put their own interpretation on it to give it an updated appearance. Some of these rugs were woven from memory, while others were prepared from a design drawing. Because of this, the finished product would have a series of repeating patterns and more of the freeform appearance than workshop rugs.

Workshop rugs

Workshop rugs were woven in a specific location, and the weavers were paid a wage to produce particular designs. The weavers working on this style of rug would have a visual pattern to refer to and they would follow it knot by knot.

Looms in these types of commercial operations were larger and more sophisticated. As a result, weavers could produce hallway rugs with more complex designs by using finer yarn. Workshop rugs often featured tiny yet very detailed patterning that would cover the entire field of the rug. Along with these intricate patterns, workshop drugs were known for their classic themes and intricate patterning.

All of these types of Oriental rugs have their own characteristics, and unique features. Each one can be described as a true work of art that would be a welcome addition to your home. Whether you are interested in a nomadic, village or workshop rug, you can be assured that the person who fashioned it was focused on making something that would be beautiful and functional at the same time.
 

This entry was posted on February 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM and has received 202 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Indian rugs are known for their intense colours. Weavers traditionally use green, light blue, pink and off-white rug tones in their work. The highly detailed designs used in the rug are generally asymmetrical in nature and are rooted in realistic themes.

A number of rugs made in this part of the world include floral designs and figures laid out in a directional manner. Most layouts used are made with rows or grids. The overall theme of these designs is one that is very refined and aristocratic in nature. Indian rugs have become synonamous as quality cheap rugs.

Indian Oriental rugs are made using asymmetrical knots and are prized. The foundation used for the rug is usually made of cotton. The type of tool used depends on the region where the rug was made. If the rug was made in the northern part of the country, soft and shiny Kashmir wool is often used. Silk may be used in the foundation and for the pile of an Indian rug. Indian rugs are usually made in a medium-to-large size.

Antique Indian rugs are found in museums or form part of major collections. These would be datable to the 16th and 17th centuries, and are further grouped into distinct decorative types. Unfortunately, the region where the rugs were made cannot be established with any certainty by examining the design.

Floral Indian rugs

The most common pattern used in Indian roads is a floral motif. Flowering plants are featured in the robust design, and are usually arranged in a series of horizontal rows. In some antique Indian rugs, small flowers are arranged on the rug in clumps and each one is joined to the other by extinction of the stem. Similar designs are used in Persian rugs.

Figures in Indian rugs

Some Indian rugs feature hunting scenes in their design. These types of rugs would be larger to accommodate their detailed designs, and the figures they depict are usually in motion. Indian elephants are typically depicted in these carpets, which often feature a border made up of masks. The waqwaq tree is another common element found in these types of Indian rugs.

Indian rugs in the 19th century

In the 19th century, Indian rug designs changed to meet market demands. Instead of traditional Indian designs, European themes or designs that mimicked classic Persian patterns were made. Local carpet making facilities were often taken over by European or British companies, and this had a definite effect on this style of product being produced.

In the 1860s and 70s, Indian rug manufacturers started using chemical dyes on their products. As a result, newer rugs had a more muted appearance than the traditional ones, which were known for their bold colouring. All Indian carpets are made in facilities in cities, since this country does not have a nomadic population that would have its own tribal designs. Instead, my idea of rendering is made by examining the quality of its wool. Soft, shiny wool generally means the rug was made in the northern region. Rough, opaque wool is generally used in southern regions of India.
 

This entry was posted on February 24, 2012 at 2:25 PM and has received 363 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Caucasian rugs have a distinctive style and are available in antique and modern versions. These rugs are made with either Giordes or Turkish knots. They are traditionally made of wool, and the colours used reflect the natural materials found in the area where the rug was made.

The warp threads used to make Caucasian rugs may be made from goat hair. In some cases, they are made of undyed yarn in one area and a different, dyed colour in another. The weft threads may be made of different colours, including white, a rusty red/brown or blue.

These types of rugs are available in a number of distinct styles. Each region has its own distinct colours and patterns. The following are some examples of Caucasian rugs:

Akstafa rugs

These rugs are made in the north-western part of Azerbaijan. A common pattern used in Akstafa rugs is a type of bird that has a peacock’s tail and a long neck. The bird’s bottom has a jagged appearance, very similar to the teeth on a handsaw. Natural tones of the peacocks tail are also used in these duck egg blue rugs.

Avar rugs

The Avar rug is named after the tribe of people who make them. This type of rug is characterized by a number of rows of stepped polygons and a border featuring diagonal stripes. The warp and weft threads are either light or mingled with light brown yarn.

Bordjalou rugs

Bordjalou is a town where Kazak rugs are produced. Rugs produced in this region feature octagon designs with latch hook edges. Borders are used to finish off the rugs’ design and can include an arrow or running dog motif. The warp is a light colour, while the weft threads are made from a rusty red colour.

Cheleberd rugs

The distinguishing design used to make Cheleberd rugs is a flaming cross that is sometimes identified as the “Eagle Claw Kazak” or the “Sunburst Kazak.” Other common designs used to make these rugs include crab garlands and a fishbone motif. Small animal and human figures may be woven into the rug, and these are indications that the piece was made as a wedding gift. The red dye used to make the rug is derived from the madder root, and this shade is only used by weavers in the Karabagh district to make rugs.

Karagashli rugs

Karagashli rugs are usually made of bright colours on dark fields. The design may feature crosses, but figures of mystical animals are used more often. These densely knotted rugs are highly prized by collectors. They can come as patterned or unpatterned rugs.

Marasali rugs

Marasali are high-quality prayer rugs featuring one of several border designs. The warps can be made of light yarn, and the wefts are fashioned of various colours.

The styles of Caucasian rugs listed here are a few examples of the styles of floor coverings available from this region of the world. The patterns produced by weavers feature highly detailed designs and bright colours. Due to the richness of the Caucasian rugs’ designs, they should be considered for rooms where they can be the focal point to show off their beauty.
 

This entry was posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:29 PM and has received 265 views. There are currently 0 comments.

A number of rug weaving techniques are used to make floor coverings. They can be hand-knotted, hand-tufted or hand-woven. Braided rugs are also available, and a felted wool rug known as namdah has an intricate design that is popular with homeowners.

Hand-knotted rugs

Hand-knotted rugs are made by people all over the world. This type of rug is made by taking pieces of yarn and tying them crossways onto warps. The rows of knots are separated by several picks of wefts. These types of rugs include Turkish and Persian types. Along with wool, other materials such as silk, jute and cotton can be used to make hand-knotted rugs.

Hand-tufted rugs

Hand-tufted wool rugs are made with a tufting gun outfitted with needles placed at the front. The rug is made on a frame that has a cotton backing in place. The cotton foundation has an imprint of the rug’s design placed on it, and the maker uses this as a pattern to follow. The yarn is shot out of the tufting gun, makes a loop, and cuts the yarn to the length specified in the pattern. The advantage of using the hand-tufting method to make rugs is that they can be made much quicker than their hand-knotted counterparts can.

Hand-woven rugs

Hand-woven rugs with a flat weave do not have a pile and lack knot rows. Tapestries are woven using this method, which can incorporate any number of colours of yarn. They are often made with bright colours and in traditional designs.

Flat-woven plain coloured rugs are a popular choice for homeowners, not only for their lovely appearance. To keep them looking their best, they need to be vacuumed regularly and cleaned every so often.

Braided rugs

Braided rugs have been made for centuries and they may have originated with Native North Americans. The style was adopted by cultures all over the world. Women were responsible for rug making and taught this skill to their daughters, who would pass on their knowledge to their own children in time.

This style of rug is still popular to this day, and modern consumers can choose from a variety of materials, including wool, silk and hemp and a variety of colours such as burgundy rugs.

Namdah rugs

Namdah rugs are made of natural fibres, such as animal hair, fur and wool. This type of rug was first made in India during the Mughal period. After the rug has been woven, its appearance may be enhanced with embroidery or other embellishments.

Popular motifs for this type of rug are florals, birds and animals. Images of humans and hunting scenes may also be used on these rugs. Colours used for namdah rugs include beige, brown, black and gray.

Each one of these rug-weaving techniques is used to make floor coverings with different physical appearances. The one that a consumer would choose depends on the type of decorating theme he or she has chosen. There is a variety of colours and styles that can be made within these weaving techniques, which means that consumers may find it challenging to narrow down their decision to just one.

This entry was posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:59 PM and has received 244 views. There are currently 0 comments.

As their name implies, Afghan rugs are made in Afghanistan. Woven by hand, they are surprisingly inexpensive. Consumers who are looking for a unique look for an indoor space may want to consider this type of floor covering.

One of the unique features of Afghan rugs is that they are collared using natural products. Vegetable and other types of dyes were traditionally used to create the rich colours that characterize these rugs. Most Afghans are medium-sized or circular rugs and feature a red background.

Afghan tribal rugs

When nomads were looking for materials to make their rugs, they would use what was readily available. Sheep wool was the main material and was used warp and weft, as well as the rug's pile. The nomads would thrive vitiate into a stream to clean the wool before shearing whenever possible. After the sheep were sheared, the rule would need to be sorted according to its colour and quality.

The next step in the process would be to comb, and spin the yarn. After this has been completed, the wool is dyed. One person can dye up to one kilogram of yarn each day.

Natural dyes may still be used at times but synthetic ones have become increasingly popular since the 1950s. The synthetic variety may be used on its own or in conjunction with natural dyes to create specific colours in Afghan designs from red to fuchsia pink rugs.

If natural dyes are being used to make the rugs, the yarn is soaked in a fixing bath made up of alum, urine, tin, ferrous sulphate or copper sulphate. The yarn is removed from the fixing bath and placed into a dye bath. The longer the yarn stays in the dye, the darker the colour will be.

The yarn is removed from the dye bath, washed and hung up to dry. Traditionally, men looked after drying the yarn for Afghan rugs.

One of the problems of using natural dyes used to make Afghan rugs is that they fade out over time. This uneven colouring, which can appear as marbling or speckling on the rug, is known as abrash. It commonly occurs in spots on rugs where the weaver ran out of a bolt of yarn and had to either dye another lot or buy some yarn in a similar tone to complete the rug.

Abrash is a desirable trait among rug buyers. It is a sign that natural dyes were used for weaving. In synthetic rugs, the fibres will fade out only in places where the rug is exposed to the sun. If a buyer wants to give a newer Afghan rug the look of one made with natural dyes, he or she can simply place it out in the sun.

An Afghan rug's rich colours and detailed patterns bring an exotic feel to any home. With their deep red, blue, green, yellow, purple and brown tones, these floor coverings can coordinate with a number of colour schemes. They look best in rooms where they can be a focal point, and the furniture and other items should be relatively plain.
 

This entry was posted on February 17, 2012 at 6:34 PM and has received 261 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Oriental rugs add colour and an element of elegance to a room. They are available in both antique and modern styles, to suit the decorating style you have chosen for your home. Before you decide on this type of rug for your indoor space, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options that are available.

Not all Oriental rugs look the same. Each country producing this type of floor covering uses specific patterns in the design, as well as materials that are readily available to local weavers. The term, ‘Oriental rugs’ encompasses many variations, and experts may study them for years to learn about each region's defining characteristics.

Persian rugs

When many people think of Oriental rugs, what they are referring to is a Persian rug. This type of floor covering is easy to identify and is familiar to most people. Persia, which is now known as Iran, has a well-earned reputation for producing some of the most exquisite and well-crafted rugs in the world.

Persian rugs have been produced for centuries. Designs used by traditional weavers are named after the tribal region where they originated. Examples of common rug making areas include Tabriz, Kerman and Sarouk. Now you can buy Persian wool rugs online.

This type of rug has intricate floral designs as well as geometric patterns. Antique rugs that are in good condition are in great demand, and their price reflects the demand for these beautiful floor coverings.

Turkish rugs

Genuine Turkish rugs are rare and highly prized because they are at least 50 years old. These rugs are distinguished by their rich hues and traditional designs. Turkish Oriental rugs stopped being produced around the time of the First World War. Recently, Turkey started producing Oriental rugs again, which means that modern versions are now becoming more readily available to consumers.

Indian rugs

The majority of Oriental rugs purchased by Western consumers are made in India. Rugs made in this part of the world feature traditional patterns and designs, and they can be made quite economically. Indian rugs are handmade by rural workers, and the finished product is known for its high quality.

Dhurrie rugs are the traditional Indian floor covering. These rugs are made of wool and cotton, although they occasionally contain other natural fibres. Consumers can choose from a number of traditional and modern designs when making their selection from a designer rug shop.

Tibetan rugs

Rugs made in Tibet are highly prized. Each one is unique and can take up to 3500 hours to make. Entire families may work on the project, and the wool used to make Tibetan Oriental rugs is taken from the Himalayan sheep. This material contains a high level of lanolin that makes it ideal for making rugs. Tibetan dyes feature very rich colours such as plum rugs, as well as rustic patterns in their design.

If you are interested in an Oriental rug for your home, there are a number of choices available. Before making up your mind, you will want to look at several examples so that you can choose which is the best fit for your decor and budget.
 

This entry was posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:59 PM and has received 207 views. There are currently 0 comments.

When you are looking for rugs for your home, consider a number of styles before you make your final decision. Manufacturers offer hand-knotted, handmade and machine-made rugs for your consideration. Before you make a choice about a specific style for your indoor space, make sure you consider these types so that you can find the one that suits your decorating style and budget.

Hand-knotted rugs

The hand-knotted style of rug making originated in the Middle East and Persia. This is where buyers could find the best rugs. Modern consumers can find this style in rugs being manufactured in a number of countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Morocco. Rug makers in Nepal, Pakistan, India and China may also use this method of making floor coverings.

Most hand-knotted rugs are made of wool, as well as silk or a wool/silk blend. As their name implies, the pile of the floor covering is attached to the backing in a knot that is fashioned by the weaver by hand.

Handmade Rugs

You will find that handmade rugs are different from the hand-knotted variety, in that they are not made by tying the rug fibres into a knot. Instead, this type of floor covering is made with a tufting gun, a hand-held object that resembles a sewing machine.

These types of rugs can be made from wool, as well as a number of other types of materials. Rug-makers can also work with acrylic, cotton, jute and polyester to fashion them. Some handmade rugs are made with a blend of two or more materials.

Hand-tufted rugs are made by artisans in a number of countries around the world, including Germany, Turkey, China, Iran, Indonesia and Vietnam. Each rug is unique, and there is real beauty in this type of rug’s imperfections.

Machine-made rugs

Machine-made rugs have the advantage of having a uniform appearance. They also stand up quite well to everyday wear because of the short pile. Most machine-made rugs are easy to keep clean, which is an attractive feature for modern consumers who are looking for a cheap rug that will look good for several years under normal use.

Choose the right rug for your home

Each of the rug styles listed here are available in various patterns and colours. The choice of which one is right for you will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you want to have a floor covering which features a delicate pattern with several colours, you will probably want to consider a hand-knotted rug. In a situation where you would be proud to own a rug that has a one-of-a-kind pattern, consider a handmade rug.

Homeowners who are interested in buying a rug with a long pile would be looking for a machine-made shag style. Machine-made rugs have the advantage of being available in a virtual rainbow of colours and various pile lengths. Machine made synthetic fibres tend to be more stain resistant and easier to clean so you are able to go for white or off-white rugs without worrying to much about maintaining them.

Depending on the materials used, this style of rug is available at a number of price points.
 

This entry was posted on February 13, 2012 at 4:09 PM and has received 202 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Egyptian rugs have been woven for centuries and they are renowned for their high quality. It is rare for an authentic Egyptian rug to be available to buyers outside of the country, but the ones that are have a luxurious style and rich patterning.

Traditionally, hand knotted carpets made in Egypt were woven by hand and they represented the work of a skilled artisan. Most of them were woven by hand and they featured a lot of detail and rich textures. The price of these frantic floor coverings reflected the skill of their maker, due to the time required to produce one of these works of art.

Early Egyptian Rug Designs

Early Egyptian rugs were transported to other countries in the East by traders. The earliest styles used geometric designs. Early weavers took inspiration for their designs from other countries, which meant that Anatolian and Persian designs influenced web makers in Egypt. Egyptian rugs are usually manufactured from wool and tied in an asymmetrical fashion, known as Ghiordes knots.

Mamluk Period of Egyptian Rugs

The Mamluk period started in the 15th century and lasted until the early part of the 16th century. The rugs produced during this time were known as Mamluks. These rugs are extremely rare and are considered by experts to be some the finest examples of weaving ever produced.

This rug style features three colours: red, green and blue. Repeating geometric patterns inside squares or circles were used, and stylized leaf patterns were very popular. Mamluk rugs were often made with a centre rectangle accented by a border. The centre design would be geometric in appearance, while the border design would be made up of vines and clusters of leaves. These patterns would also be repeated in the background of the rug and are a form of Arabic calligraphy.

Mamluk rug makers would use the same number of knots horizontally and vertically when forming the rug. As a result, a weaver could create a design featuring perfectly shaped squares and circles. The fact that they were made with high-quality wools and dyes meant that Mamluks were striking in colour and had an attractive sheen.

Ottoman Period of Egyptian Rugs

The Ottoman style of Egyptian rugs came into fashion in the years 1540 through 1550. The colour palette and design were similar to the ones used for Mamluk rugs. Red tones such as burgundy and wine red rugs were common. This style gained popularity, more and more rugs began incorporating medallions, palmettes, and lancet leaves were made. Other design elements commonly used when weaving Ottoman rugs were carnations, pomegranates, hyacinths and tulips. Sine knots were used instead of Turkish ones, and this gave the rugs a very elegant appearance.

Both of these Egyptian rug styles produced finished products that were highly prized for their exquisite detail and rich jewel tones. The Ottoman rug design reflected the influence of the Turkish designs that were popular at the time. While few specimens of these Egyptian rugs remain, the ones that still exist are rightfully considered works of art.

This entry was posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:12 PM and has received 163 views. There are currently 0 comments.

When you are considering floor coverings, one factor you will be considering is the type of rug fibres used in the manufacturing process. Synthetic fibres, such as nylon, are very popular with modern rug manufacturers, but other materials used for this purpose include jute, silk, and wool.

Synthetic rugs

Nylon is the synthetic material most often used to make rugs. Other choices for synthetic rug materials include acrylic, polyester, and olefin. Nylon is used most often because it is a highly durable synthetic polymer. Nylon rugs are very consumer friendly, in that they are easy to clean and are available in a wide variety of colours.

Olefin is a synthetic fibre that is used to make most Berber rugs. When an anti-stain treatment is applied, this type of rug will hold up well to everyday wear. It is, however, difficult to clean and looks dingy when it is soiled.

Polyester rugs have the advantage of being less expensive than wool carpets. This type of floor covering is soft to the touch, resists stains and moisture well, and is a good choice for non-high traffic areas of your home.

Jute rugs

Jute rugs are an economical choice for your home. These types of rugs are available in a number of patterns and can be used as accent rugs. A disadvantage of choosing a jute rug is that it does not resist moisture very well, so you will want to avoid using it in rooms where it might be subjected to high levels of humidity. Because of its durability you will find a lot of hallway rugs are made from Jute fibres. Consumers who are interested in this type of floor covering should make sure that it has a non-slip underlay to reduce the risk of injuries.

Silk rugs

Silk is an example of a natural fibre used to make exquisite Oriental rugs. It is highly prized for its high tensile strength and lustrous appearance. Highly skilled weavers are able to take advantage of the latter trait to include highlights in their rug patterns. Silk fibres can be combined with wool to create colourful and detailed designs.

A silk rug is rich in colour and texture, and is an expensive choice in floor coverings. In many cases, a silk rug is made on a cotton backing, but some of them are fashioned out of pure silk fibres. Silk carpets are traditionally patterned rather than unpatterned rugs.

This type of rug would not wear well in high-traffic areas, but can be a good choice for formal living or dining rooms. Compared to wool rugs, silk is a higher-maintenance choice for a floor covering.

Wool rugs

Wool is the crème de la crème of types of rug fibres. It is highly durable, and it will not crush over time and repeated wear. This type of rug also pushes dirt to the surface, which makes it much easier to keep clean than other options. Wool rugs are also flame and water resistant, and do not conduct static electricity. It is the most expensive material used for making rugs and even though wool does resist stains, it requires special care for cleaning. Buying a wool rug online can be a great way of comparing prices and getting the best deal.

This entry was posted on February 8, 2012 at 6:46 PM and has received 151 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Rugs have been used since before 5000 BC, but the exact time they first appeared is unknown. One theory about the origin of rugs is that they were first made by nomadic tribes. These early versions were made with thick knots and provided protection from cold and damp conditions. Making rugs also meant that these ancient people were not forced to slaughter their animals to use their hides for this purpose.

Over time, these knotted rugs were used to cover the ground as well as to decorate tents used by nomadic people. Colours and designs used to make the rugs unique to the tribe that made them. Weavers would fashion their rugs on a vertical loom, which was used because it was easy to dismantle and transport from place to place.

Another theory is that knotted rugs were developed by tribes of people who had settled into living in a specific location. This population would have the time to make rugs that served a practical purpose, as well as being artistic. These rugs may have originally been used for ceremonial occasions. Over time, they would have become an everyday feature of the home.

Early versions of rugs would have been used as wall hangings and mats. Early designs were very simple. As rug weaving developed, designs became more detailed until they became works of art.

Carpets from the Middle East

In the second and third centuries BC, woven carpets were quite common in the Middle East. This area of the world is known as the ‘cradle of carpet weaving.’ Rug weaving techniques expanded to other countries such as Persia, China, India and Turkestan.

Marco Polo even commented on the beauty of Turkish rugs when he travelled through that country. He stated, "They weave the choicest and the most beautiful carpet in the world. They also weave silk fabrics of crimson and other colours of great beauty and richness and many other kinds of cloth.”

Antique Rugs

A number of antique carpets have a style that is similar to the Persian style of rug. To be considered a true antique, the rug must have been made prior to the 1920s.

Another characteristic of antique rugs is that they are made with natural dyes. This designation is also given to rugs that were made before synthetic dyes were developed in the 1860s.

Rugs made from 1860-1870 and the early 1900s are known as ‘semi antique carpets.’ Persian and Turkish rugs made during this time feature traditional designs and come in a variety of shapes from rectangles to circular rugs.

Modern Rugs

The term ‘modern rugs’ refers to floor coverings made after the 1920s and 30s. Designs reflect modern themes, but at the expense of the high level of artistry which characterized antique rugs.

Designs in Western modern rugs have borrowed from Persian and Turkish rugs. Weavers have also looked to Christian and Islamic culture for inspiration when developing their designs. Modern rugs have also been made to resemble works from other cultures, such as the early Byzantine and Asiatic. Popular colours of recent times include teal rugs and lime colours.
 

This entry was posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:35 AM and has received 192 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Rugs are a common floor covering in most modern homes but do you know from where they originated? The history of rug making is a very interesting one, and it starts in ancient Egypt. Over the centuries, techniques for fashioning rugs has evolved and become more sophisticated.

Images on a fresco, dating from approximately 3000 BC, depict weavers working on a loom to fashion rugs. Similar ones have been discovered in Egyptian tombs, and rugs are mentioned in stories dating from ancient times. Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was carried to Caesar rolled up in a rug. References to rugs are made in the Bible, which would indicate that people living at that time knew them.

Ancient Egyptian Rugs

The traditional rug designs made in ancient Egypt do not resemble modern Oriental styles. The surface of the Egyptian rug was not fashioned by tying wool onto warp threads. Instead, the Egyptian rugs were made in a flat, tapestry style and did not have a pile.

Persian Rugs

Persian rugs were highly developed by 600 BC. Rugs made during this time were known for their rich pile. Most of them have disintegrated over the centuries, but one notable exception was discovered in the tomb of a Scythian prince in 1948.

While grave robbers had taken gold and valuables, a Pazyryk carpet was found intact. Radiocarbon testing was used to determine that the rug was made in the fifth century BC. It measures 9.3 x 6.5 feet (283 cm x 200 cm). On examination, the rug was found to have 232 symmetrical knots per square inch, 36 per square centimetre.

This piece of carpet, which is the oldest in the world, features a deep red colour tone in its centre. The rug also has two borders: one shows Persian hunters and the other one depicts their prey, deer.

Rugs Used During the Middle Ages

Crusaders returning from the Middle East introduced oriental rugs to Europe. The rugs were placed on stone floors to provide warmth. Henry IV of France established a factory in the Louvre palace in the 17th century. Two other factories were established in Paris and Aubusson.

Rugs made at Aubusson featured a flat weave that was known as the Aubus-son. This style looks similar to a tapestry but is coarser in appearance. In contrast, the rugs woven in Paris, known as Savon-nerie, looked more like Oriental rugs with their deep wool pile.

Rugs made during this time that were made for kings can be likened to works of art. They featured a lot of detail and were made by people who were true artists.

French rug-making techniques spread to England and the Netherlands in the late 1600s. The Edict of Nantes, which had guaranteed rights to French Protestants, was revoked, which led to a number of artisans leaving that country for places where they could practice their faith.

This entry was posted on February 3, 2012 at 3:31 PM and has received 182 views. There are currently 0 comments.

Homeowners looking for floor coverings to spruce up their homes have other options, other than Oriental rugs. European rugs offer a variety of styles and are available in rich colours to enhance an indoor space. Whether you are interested in Spanish, French, English, or Irish rugs, you can be sure that your choice will be stylish and classy.

Traditionally, European rugs have been made to order under the direction of a designer. Over the years, rug styles have reflected the architecture and painting styles of the periods when they were made. If you were looking at an antique rug made in the 17th or 18th centuries, you would likely find that they would feature right colours and floral designs that were reflective of the design styles in vogue at the time. Some rugs made in the 18th century were specifically designed to copy the pattern on the ceiling of the room where they would be used.

Spanish Rugs

Rug making was introduced to Spain by Muslim Moors starting in the eighth century. Over time, two distinct styles evolved. The first one incorporates Christian and Islamic symbols, and the second style featured Turkish designs that often featured octagon shaped medallions.

Spanish designs made today offer green, yellow or teal blue rugs as the predominant colours. Consumers can readily find ones fashioned in Persian and Anatolian, as well as modern styles.

French Rugs

French artists in the royal court were traditionally responsible for designing rugs in the 17th and 18th centuries. Common themes used in these designs were coats of arms, flowers, and some architectural details. Savonnerie rugs, made between 1650 and 1789, often mirrored the elaborate ceiling designs of royal palaces. This style of rug has been copied by modern manufacturers in China, India and Pakistan. One of the most popular tones is red coloured rugs.

English Rugs

English rugs were first produced in the 1500s. At that point, most designs were similar to Turkish rugs, although some rugs were custom-made and included coats of arms and other similar symbol in their design.

Rugs made between 1765 and 1790 reflected the Adam architecture style, which was popular at that time. Common design features used during this period included octagonal and oval shapes, garlands and wreaths. The shapes were chosen because they were very similar to designs used in decorative ceiling panels used at the time. Popular colours tones were light blue and grey colour rug, with some red tones as well.

Irish Rugs

Rug makers in Ireland have been making pile rugs since 1858. Homeowners can find modern versions of traditional Donegal rugs for their homes. If you are looking for a custom-made European rug, these designs can resemble abstract art and make a striking addition to an indoor space.

Buyers who decide to have a rug made to their specifications have the freedom to request colours which will coordinate with the other colours in the room and which reflect their personal taste. Pastel colours may be chosen for this style of rug, and are a great choice for buyers who want a light and airy theme in the room.
 

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