It has been said that rugs are the oldest known manufactured floor covering.
The
oldest known rug dates from the 5th century B.C. and even today, it isn't at all unusual
to find rugs that are being walked on by the great-grandchildren of the
original owners.
Ever wonder how hand-made rugs are made?
Jim is our area rug specialist. Come to our Capital Circle showroom and see the hundreds of
rugs we keep in stock. Jim will gladly talk about rugs or just show you around.
Jan 25, 2007 Talking about rugs
Over two evenings this week we had design students from Florida State University in the
showroom to learn about rugs. They will be participating in a national contest for rug
design so I talked to them about a little rug history and a few traditional patterns and common motifs.
We also talked a little about various construction techniques that are commonly used.
Dec 1, 2006 Weaving Personalities
One of the neatest aspects of hand knotted rugs is that they are truly unique. Each one,
even the "program" rugs (those that may be available in other sizes for example)
have something different about them. Often, especially with program rugs, the differences
are so small that they are difficult to see. But also often, the weaver's personality
can be seen on a rug. Here on the right is a great example. There are two vases
with flowers. They are different sizes plus each is on a different base. But
there is something even more fascinating. It shows in the picture but is actually
a little hard to see on the rug. On each vase, there seems to be human figures ...
something not generally found on rugs woven in Moslem countries. But a vase could
certainly be found with figures on it so why not show that vase on a rug?
Well, as you can see, it may not be common but it certainly can be done.
(click on the picture for more)
Oct 20, 2006 Leather Strips on the back of hand made rugs
Recently I was asked about something that has been a little unusual until lately.
On the back of some hand knotted carpets, you may find a strip attached along
the outer edge. These are usually thin leather strips that are sewn and/or
stapled on. (Such as shown on the small, Persian Naein on the right.)
My customer had been told (by a dealer elsewhere) that these were
attached after cleaning the rug to help hold the shape of the rug and that they could
be removed before using the rug. Well, that's at least partly true.
They were attached
to help hold the shape of the rug.
First, these strips are found almost exclusively on new Persian rugs (made in
Iran).
Looms there are generally handed down from generation to generation so they can be quite old.
In fact it is often from grandmother to grand-daughter. So, the wooden tops and
bottoms have warped with age causing uneven tension on the weave.
The rug will not flatten out on the floor. These strips help flatten it out. Maybe they
will be all the help needed, maybe not. The strips generally will be required
indefinitely. The best thing that can be said about them is
that they are a very strong indicator that the rug was made in Iran (Persia).
Unfortunately, that does not automatically indicate high quality, just a country of origin.
Another possible source of this extra tension is from the hand serging. If the
individual stitches are pulled too tight, the edge of the rug is likely to curl
under without something on the back to help hold it flat.
Either way, most well made rugs do not need this extra help. Granted, these
leather strips are not harmful, but I think, even though we may see more of this
for a few years, as Iranian weavers begin to produce rugs for the North American market,
you will find such on fewer and fewer rugs in the long run, partly because
these old looms must eventually be replaced but
in large part because of the better weaving found in other countries (that is often
less expensive for like quality).
By contrast, most looms in India, Pakistan, Turkey and China are made of metal.
And many of the finest quality rugs are made on these looms.
August 12, 2006 Rug Pattern Names
Book after book has been published on this subject alone. Traditional Persian patterns
were often named based on the market they were most often sold in and that was usually a
matter of how close that market town was to the common routes of nomadic tribes or to
other, small villages. Many of the names are quite common now - Heriz, Tabriz, Kirman (Kerman)
to name just a few. But I have a different one in mind here ... the traditional prayer rug.
I have not only read a great deal about it but have asked a lot of questions...of
people who know. And finding one was a challenge.
The first example is shown on the right.
A "prayer rug" is small, typically close to 2' x 4', basically
wide enough for one man to kneel on. Large "versions" might be found in a
worship center but not in a home.
Second is the fact that these rugs were made for a specific purpose and not used in
any other way. Various sources will even suggest that walking on them is prohibited
but others will tell you that relates only to the requirement that they be clean for use.
Then, to the left, I show you this Turkish hand made rug (approx 30 years old, private
collection). Note the fairly plain field with the distinct arch.
Karastan, English Manor, Regents Park
July 6, 2006 New from Karastan
Have you seen this new introduction from Karastan? It's based on the venerable
flagship pattern, 717, Multicolor Panel Kirman but in a new color set with a
beautiful, black background. (The picture, as usual, doesn't do it justice.)
This is now the third rug they have in that pattern but with different colors.
Wow, what a versatile pattern!
Below, left to right, are details from the three:
717 Multi Panel Kirman, 719 Empress Kirman and 724 Empress Kirman Black
Empress Kirman Black
In 1928 American retailer Marshall Field built a loom capable
of recreating the craftsmanship of a hand-woven rug. From the moment the first
Karastan came off the loom, the Karastan name became synonymous with elegant,
machine-made rugs that rivaled their handmade counterparts.
One story told is that Field went to England and purchased a virtually worn out Axminster loom,
which was gladly sold to the "dumb American". But he also brought back with him, craftsmen
well skilled in the loom's operation. Then, with some secret modifications started
producing high quality, wool rugs
that were, for the first time, affordable to the American middle class.
So far advanced was the new manufacturing process that the trade press called those rugs
“Mystery Rugs.” To share the “mystery” of these rugs, Karastan created a
large version of its Kirman pattern for the 1933
Chicago World’s Fair. But instead of putting it on display so visitors could
simply admire its beauty, Karastan did something unthinkable. They invited the public
to walk on it. And walk they did.
Several million people left their footprints, spills and food stains all
over the rug. After the fair, Karastan cleaned half the rug to
show how well their rugs recover. That rug still exists in the same
state today — one side almost unrecognizable, the other returned to
its original beauty.
Jim is our area rug specialist. Come to our Capital Circle showroom and see the hundreds of
rugs we keep in stock. Jim will gladly talk about rugs or just show you around.
They were attached
to help hold the shape of the rug.
Empress Kirman Black
Madeline