Tag: Fine Oriental Rugs

The Essence: Rug Knots

Posted on by D F

 

Before we think about technology and machinery, coloring and design, hand skill and passed-on knowledge, there is one single, elemental component to rug weaving: the knot. Rug knot is such a simple concept that one might overlook its central position in rug structure, look and durability.

nomad or a village hand-woven rug
Nomadic Loom.  –  Village / workshop Loom.  ©1800getarug.com

 

There are two ways a rug knot is defined: density and type. When choosing a nomad or a village hand-woven rug, one might not consider the density of the knot a major factor. These traditional articles are made either within a season – and therefore fast – or with simple looms, and usually contain about 25-100 knots per square inch. Other factors are at play here: originality of the individual artist’s design (from memory), natural local dyes, manual labor, and plenty of love.

Sun Baked Orange, Serapi Heriz with Large Medallion Design, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, Aryana Grade, High Mountain Wool, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug
Close-up of a Kazak rug. Notice the rather closely woven rug knots. ©1800getarug.com

 

The workshop hand-made rugs, however, are woven on a much more sophisticated machinery. Precision is therefore a major factor- on par with design and authenticity. The knot density ranges between 100-1000 knots per square inch. If you consider that each knot takes about 10 seconds to complete, it is astounding how long finishing a large enough rug may take, keeping in mind a rather high knot density.

Terracotta Antique Persian Mahal Good Condition with Some Wear Clean Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
This Handcrafted Antique Persian , is an original Pure Wool oriental rug. ©1800getarug.com

 

The other way of thinking of a rug knot is its method, with two predominant ones being symmetrical and asymmetrical. Popular in most of Iran, India, Egypt, China, and parts of Turkey, the asymmetrical, or Persian Senneh, have their knot loops tied around two warps and come up on the same sides to make the rug tufts. The Turkish Ghiordes knot (the symmetrical one) goes around two warp threads on opposite sides and comes up in the middle. The most commonly used knots are slight variations on the Persian one. The Tibetan knot is perhaps the most interesting one, wrapping around warps in a complex fashion and reminiscent of Indic script.

Fire Whirl Red, Antique Persian Heriz, Good Condition, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
An Illustration of a Persian Knot. ©1800getarug.com

 

The study of rug knots is not necessarily complex, but it certainly is full of grace and style, which is necessary for understanding the structure, design, and feel of these wonderful hand-woven rugs that we cherish throughout our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are Peshawar Hand-Woven rugs?

Posted on by D F

 

Looking into our rugs is sometimes like looking into the depths of history. The Peshawar rugs take us to one of the greatest depths. One of the epicenters of the great Silk Roads, the city of Peshawar was, quite literally on the map since the 5th century B.C. From the ancient Persians and the Hellenistic descendants of Alexander the Great, to the medieval Mongols and finally the Muslim empires. Peshawar commanded authority throughout the region, housing millions of citizens and invariably creating and absorbing culture for centuries. Some may argue the Mughal era of rule over the region was one of the most successful in last few centuries and has inspired some of the most fascinating and impressive works of art.

Beige, Afghan Peshawar with All Over Mahal Design, Clean, Full Pile, Long and Narrow, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Afghan Peshawar is an authentic Wool oriental rug. ©1800getarug.com

 

Perhaps the best time capsule of this Mughal artistry is the hand-woven Peshawar rug, whose designs evolved through the centuries but with mastery that never dwindled. In the 16th century, emperor Akbar had ordered the construction of rug weaving workshops and fostered the knowledge exchange with the Persian artisans to reinforce the local style. In the 20th, after the crumbling of British colonialism the existing industry simply needed a push from the newly independent government to survive and to flourish.

Chiffon White, Sparrows on the Tree, Peshawar, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft to the Touch, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug
Chiffon White, Sparrows on the Tree, Peshawar, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft to the Touch, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug  ©1800getarug.com

 

Traditional Peshawar rugs are always hand-woven, and feature a pure high mountain hand-spun wool pile, although sometimes, in select rugs, fine merino wool is blended in – that makes the rugs look slicker. Occasionally silk is woven in as well, especially if the artist wants to highlight a motif. The weft and warp are cotton, for the strongest support. The resulting rugs are durable and reliable, but are luxurious and extremely soft to the touch.

Rust Orange, Afghan Peshawar with Heriz All Over Design, Hand Knotted, Soft 100% Wool, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Heriz All Over Design is an original Pure Wool oriental rug. ©1800getarug.com

 

The design of the rugs, as chronicled in history, is heavily influenced by ancient Persian rug motifs. The colors, usually light and earthy and derived from sun-dried vegetable dyes, give the rugs its characteristic antique and washed-out look. But whether they are stonewashed and have their piles cut shorter, or the modernist take will have the colors pop, you are sure to be mesmerized by the deep richness and artistry that are the Peshawar rugs.

Maya Blue, Afghan Peshawar with Heriz All Over Design, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Heriz All Over Design is an original Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hand-Knotted Kazak Pure Wool Oriental Rug

Posted on by D F

Kazaks (Kazakhs), the majestic carpets from de Caucasus

 

Luxurious, spectacular, magnificent are good adjectives to describe the geometrically designed Kazak or Kazakh rug. Centuries of Armenian craftsmanship carried down to our days, the best natural dyes, unique patterns, the finest wool, are among the characteristics that guarantees carpets of the best quality. Large-scale designs, numerous medallions, and contrasting colors such as blue, red and ivory, gives this type of carpets a superb appearance.

Rich Red, Densely Woven Extra Soft Wool, Hand Knotted Afghan Super Kazak with Tribal Medallions, Natural Dyes, Oversized Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Afghan Super Kazak, is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

Its origin dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries in the Kazak area of the Caucasus, probably the most famous area in weaving terms. Kazak rugs were hand-knotted by the women of the Tiflis and Erevan. Within the Kazakh rugs, other categories are considered depending on the geographical area were they were woven, for example carpets from the south of the Tiflis, Bordajalou Kazak rugs, coarsely woven with simple designs. Carpets from the North of the Erevans, with shorter pile and more formal designs. Other categories includes carpets made before 1925, known as: Karabach, Sjirvan, Kuba and Dagestan carpets. Each one with variation in the patterns and predominance of the traditional colors.

Crimson Red, Fine Afghan Sultani with All Over Design, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Sultani All Over Design is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

Considered a sign of status, Kazakh rugs and other Armenian carpets were an important possession in the wealthy houses, in palaces, and in churches. They could be used as tapestries, or to cover the king`s throne. They were also used for day to day activities like dining.  Kazakhs were frequently woven with threads of silver and gold, making them precious enough to be demanded as part of the tax owed to the nobility that ruled over the Armenians.

Taupe Gray, Armenian Inspired Caucasian Design, Small Bird Figurines, Velvety Wool, Densely Woven, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug
Taupe Gray, Armenian Inspired Caucasian Design, Small Bird Figurines, Velvety Wool, Densely Woven, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug © 1800getarug.com

 

Just like kings and princes prized the Kazakh carpets, Caucasian rugs connoisseur`s highly esteem their robust aesthetic and saturated natural color tones, large motifs and majestic proportions that explain the appeal of these iconic designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the deal with antique Persian carpets?

Posted on by D F

With everything that’s been going on in Iran lately, we tend to forget that the Middle Eastern country is known as the original home of the oriental carpet. Iran (Persia) is the oldest and once the most powerful empire in the Middle East. Many of the finest antique Persian carpets have originated from Iran over the last hundred years or longer.

 

Persia stood at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations. Under the Safavid dynasty, Iran attained its artistic height. Court weaving, together with the art of calligraphy, miniature painting, and tile work, flourished to exceptional heights during this dynasty. It is during this dynasty that many of the fine antique Persian carpets from today were made.

Midnight Black, Vintage Persian Nehevand, Cropped Thin, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Mat, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Vintage Persian Nehevand is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

The brilliant era witnessed the development of highly qualified carpet factories in cities including Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Herat (now a part of Afghanistan). Iran is the genesis of most motifs, patterns, and traditional coloration, that are produced in rugs throughout the world today. Over the centuries, antique Persian carpets have become treasured heirlooms, passed on from one generation to the next. It is a true testament to the people who made the carpet originally that they are able to hold up over the course of time and still be in a condition that would be acceptable for use year after year.

Auburn Red, Hand Spun New Zealand Wool, Hand Knotted, Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation with Geometric Medallion, Vegetable Dyes, Denser Weave, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation is an original Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

 

So whether you’re looking for a Persian Antique Carpet or Semi-Antique, Fine New Oriental Rugs, 19th century European designs or modern area rugs, log on to www.1800getarug.com where you will find a unique collection of beautiful hand-knotted rugs which is always up to date with new colors and designs. Our showroom is open Monday through Saturday for you to view our vast selection of fine Persian rugs, and for you to find that special rug that you can pass on in your family for generations to come! Please stop by today or visit our website to find the rug for you.

Beaver Brown, Hand Knotted, Modern Variegated Design, Natural Undyed Wool, Piled Flat Weave, Tone on Tone, Textured, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted modern design is an authentic wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

 

 

How to keep your Oriental rug looking at its best

Posted on by D F

You’ve just bought an Oriental rug and it really ties the room together. Now you probably want your new rug to last years to come. No problem. You just have to follow a few simple rug maintenance instructions in order to make the most out of your rug’s life and durability.

Take you shoes off!

Of course that there are some issues that can not be avoided. Rugs, unlike most of our purchases, are made to be walked on. So the best and first thing to do is to ask your family to remove their shoes while in the house. Most of the dirt and wear of rugs is a direct result of the surprises we carry on our soles (by the way in Persia, nobody keeps their shoes on while inside).

Rotate

Although Oriental carpets come from a land of a thousand suns, rugs do not like direct sunlight and they tend to fade out. So just like you do with your mattress, try to rotate the carpet from time to time and prevent wear and color fade from happening in the same areas. Rotating a carpet a couple of times a year can help you maintain the rug’s value and look.

Come back next time for more tips, or log on to www.1800getarug.com where you will find information about your rug maintenance.

How to keep your Oriental rug looking at its best. Part II

Posted on by D F

Vacuum rugs often, and do it on both sides. Try to use the vacuum nozzle instead of a beater bar and whatever you do – don’t shake them! Shaking Oriental rugs leads to thread and knots damage. When you vacuum, don’t skip areas that are hidden under furniture. Moths love those dark, quiet places and moths’ eggs just love to consume rugs.

Or you can try this:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wAzhII7zOs]

Know Rug First Aid

There’s nothing to do about it – sooner or later a glass of wine will spill, coffee will drip, the kid’s soda, and the dog that couldn’t wait… It is very important to master the rules of rug first-aid and act as quickly as humanly possible in order to prevent rug stains and heavy smells. Before the spill begins to dry, clean the area with a wet paper towel. Then use a mix of water and vinegar if you want to prevent color damage.


Get a Rug Pad

A rug pad is also recommended and can help prevent slippage, act as a buffer to minimize abrasion and protect your floors. A good quality pad will also provide airflow between your floor and the rug and airflow allows the rug to breathe, which in turn will extend the rug’s life. Rug pads may also prevent the crushing and wearing of pile after heavy use.

If you still need help with your rug cleaning or rug restoration, turn to a professional Oriental rug dealer such as www.1800GeatARug.com where you will find experienced importers and wholesalers of beautiful rugs from all over the world.

How to choose a rug? Essential carpet buying tips

Posted on by D F

Buying a rug might seem like an easy task, just head on to the local rug dealer and choose the rug you like. But actually, there are a few carpet buying tips to consider before you buy a rug and several ways to make sure you get the carpet that will best fit your needs.

Size. Before you go to the store, make sure that you know the size of the room that rug is intended for. Pay close attention to the furniture and consider a reasonable size that will not be too small or too big.

Many stores keep rugs hanging from the ceiling which can be confusing. Ask the salesman to put the rug on the floor. You will be surprised to see how small it looks when you are standing above it.

Feel the rug. Not with your hands, but with your feet. Take off your shoes, your socks and walk on the carpet. This is what it’s meant for and you have to make sure you like the feel of the carpet under your feet.

Remember that dark carpets make rooms look much smaller than they are in reality. Bright colors make rooms look a lot bigger. So color is very important here. If you have a smaller apartment, you might want to consider going for bright colors.

For more information about Persian Rugs, Antique rugs or Semi-Antique, Fine New Oriental Rugs, 19th century European designs or modern area rugs, log on to www.1800getarug.com where you will find a unique collection of beautiful hand-knotted rugs which is always up to date with color and design.

Noisy Neighbors? Tell ‘Em To Get a Rug

Posted on by D F

My upstairs noisy neighbors had always been incredibly loud. Unnaturally noisy, even — I often wondered what exactly they’re doing up there. My theory is a heavy rotation of hoedown lessons and mini-relay races, but my boyfriend is pretty sure they just didn’t have any rugs on their floors, and that if I didn’t have any, my downstairs neighbors would probably be complaining about me — and my stilettos — too.

I decided to take matter into my own hands. Well, sort of. At first I thought about writing an anonymous note, but since I live alone they’d probably figure out pretty quickly who wrote, “Either get some rugs or move the Stomp practices elsewhere.” I also considered getting a hold of their e-mail addresses and signing them up for the 1-800 Get a Rug newsletter, but I figured they’d assume it was spam and delete it without reading.

Finally I decided to just buy a large area rug myself and play it off like I was getting rid of it. 1-800 Get a Rug’s area rugs are inexpensive enough that it was worth the investment if it meant quiet. Plus I had 10 days to return it if my plan backfired. I popped up to the neighbors’ and told them I had a nice big oriental rug I didn’t want anymore, and they said they’d be happy to take it off my hands. It’s been blissfully quiet ever since.

Call 1 800 Get a Rug for the Best Rugs Around!

Posted on by D F

Before spending your money on anything — electronics, homewares, clothing, etc. — you should know about the company you’re paying. The folks at 1 800 Get a Rug live by this idea, so we’re going to tell you a little about them.

1 800 Get a Rug has been selling the finest oriental and Persian rugs for over two decades now. They’re in constant contact with rug providers in the Far East and have access to the the most exciting new colors and designs in traditional, transitional and modern oriental rugs and carpets. Though they deal mainly with the interior design community as well as other rug vendors, they sell to everyone.

1 800 Get a Rug’s collection of rugs ranges from Persian antique and semi-antique to fine new oriental rugs, including vegetable dye rugs, silk, formal and informal, through European designs from 18th and 19th centuries to beautiful floral motifs that add grace and style to any setting. 1800 Get a Rug has a unique collection of beautiful handknotted rugs which is always up to date with color and design.

Don’t take our word for it; go check out 1 800 Get a Rug’s huge assortment of rugs. Their web site make it super easy to find exactly what you want, whether by color, size, foundation. It won’t be long before you find something you love!

How to Haggle for Persian Rugs

Posted on by D F

You were in the market for fine oriental rugs. You searched all over your town and found a place on the east side. When you arrived at the warehouse you knew that you would find something worth buying, how could you not.

Inside a swarthy man with thick eyebrows and an aquiline nose greeted you. Do you have any fine Persian rugs you asked. He nodded obviously. He took you upstairs to the good stuff, the silk Persian rugs. I am looking for an 8 by 10 you said, silk. He walked away from you with his forefinger beckoning. There was a beautiful red rug, one of three silk Persian rugs you decided would look best in your living room beneath your brown leather couch.

The price of this rug is seven thousand dollars he said when you asked how much. That’s too much, you shook your head. I’ll give you three thousand cash you said. He scoffed and said I can do six thousand cash. You said I’ll pay you five thousand on credit and four in cash. He looked at you warily. Forty five hundred – cash, he said. You shook and knew that a deal on these fine Oriental rugs such as this is hard to come by.

Or you could just skip all the frustration and get an inexpensive rug at 1 800 Get A Rug.