Tag: hand knotted area 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The simple beauty of Kilim Flatweave rugs

Posted on by D F

 

Sometimes things can be uncomplicated, sometimes they can be understated. Sometimes the beauty comes from the simplicity of the design and execution. Look no further than Kilim hand-woven rugs, classic flatweave carpets known for their unique contained look and versatility.

Medium Gray, Flat Weave, American Indian Southwest Geometric Design, Hand Woven, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted American Indian Southwest Geometric Design is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

One of the most consistent technique to go back centuries, Kilim rugs were most likely first used by nomadic peoples of Middle East and Central Asia. The earliest examples were found around Khotan, present day Xinjiang, China, one of the centers of trade along the Silk Roads, and go back centuries. The name is derived from Turkish “gelim”, which means, “to spread” (as in, to spread a rug). Its pure geometrical designs are believed to have mystical, inspirational powers.

Bone White, Afghan Kilim with All Over Colorful Geometric Pattern, 100% Wool, Natural Dyes, Flat Weave, Hand Woven, Reversible, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted Afghan Kilim is an original Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

To us, the most fascinating thing about the hand-woven Kilim rugs is the unique weaving technique, called slit weave. These rugs don’t have a pile, and are created by simply weaving the woolen wefts and the cotton or wool warps (thread ratio is 16 of weft, 14 of warp). Two different-colored weft blocks are tightly packed into the warp by a special comb and returned to original side once they reach each other, leaving a slight “gap” in between – the slit! This is the origin of the traditional Kilim motif: diagonal and horizontal lines, a pattern designed for durability.

Coconut Brown, Hand Woven, Flat Weave, American Indian Southwest Geometric Design, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted American Indian Southwest Geometric Design is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug.© 1800getarug.com

 

While the traditional colors for these magical Kilim hand-woven rugs are blue, green, red, and yellow, the modern take on the carpets includes a variety of dyes and designs. Still these works of art are as versatile and affordable as they were centuries ago: they are easy to spread or fold, don’t crease; are great at being a centerpiece decoration, hanging on a wall or serving as a door step rug, or for saddling your mule, if the occasion truly calls for it!

Peach Color, Flat Weave, American Indian Southwest Geometric Design, 100% Wool, Hand Woven, Oriental Rug
This handcrafted American Indian Southwest Geometric Design is an authentic Pure Wool oriental rug. © 1800getarug.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persian Rugs You Should Have Bought Months Ago

Posted on by D F

You’ve  known you need area rugs for a long time. When you first moved in it was one of those things that you thought you’d get immediately but when you didn’t you put it off and convinced yourself that it was even better without them. Why cover the wood floors, you thought. But now it’s time.

The winter came and went and you felt the barrenness. You could have easily used the color and warmth, the texture and pleasure of walking barefoot comfortably. So now you begin shopping. And because you’re probably going to be in this home for awhile, it’s a good idea to invest in hand knotted area rugs you can be proud of.

Persian rugs are the finest. Silk is more expensive than Persian wool rugs. There are many designs and colors from which to choose, thus you should consider your interior decor and match it with your future Persian rugs.

When you choose which Persian rugs are right, you will remember your initial hesitation to buy as laziness. And through the seasons you will remember you purchase as the right thing to do and feel that your home is cozier, more natural and more properly adorned.

How Luxurious Area Rugs = Confidence

Posted on by D F

The little things can make a big difference in your world. Nice things like silk Persian rugs can take your home from the same old traditional couch and coffee table kind of entertainment area to a fire-burning, rows of library books, pipe-smoking kind of luxurious suite. And it almost happens overnight, even if you don’t have a library with a  rolling ladder.

When you invest in area rugs you’re making a commitment to your home. You want to allow yourself a certain level of luxury and refinement. Area rugs are an ideal way to achieve that. These aspects of luxury are important to the way you live. If you can’t feel good about your living quarters, you probably can’t feel good about yourself. On the other hand, if you’re proud to come home and invite guests over, this will translate into greater confidence.

Textures are often unnoticed consciously, but that doesn’t mean your unconscious ignores the iridescent light that bounces off your silk Persian rugs. These details are important to creating an impression of splendor and quality. Your furniture will be buoyed by the fine materials and the confidence you have in your home and yourself will too. So go ahead and invest today!

Hand Knotted Rugs For Your Handcrafted Home

Posted on by D F

Your home is so very important to you. Whether you live in a palatial mansion or a closet-like big city apartment, your space helps define you. You spend a lot of time finding just the right artfully decorative accessories and furniture that suits you and the space. You hand pick the things that matter to you and seem charming because you want your space to be yours.

With a hand knotted rug you can give the smallest or largest space a bit of handcrafted charm that will sync up perfectly with the more “lived in” particular choices you have made. It can really tie a room together or if spread through out your home it can tie the whole place together.

Knowing that these rugs are knotted by hand is incredibly special. To be able to notice and appreciate all of the work that actual people put into making these rugs is just astounding. It is rare these days that you have any connection to the goods in your home. These rugs can also find their way into hallways, bathrooms, and kitchenettes as hand knotted area rugs.

We have so many things that are built by robots and machines these days. It is nice to think about someone somewhere actually making a thing as beautiful as a rug.

Wrapping Yourself In Area Rugs

Posted on by D F

I remember when I was a small boy I had a green area rug in my bedroom. When my parents weren’t around I would sometimes find myself rolling inside of it like a taquito, an egg roll, or a canoli depending on your appetite. I was shocked by how comfortable it was in there. Honestly I could have stayed nestled in those soft hand knotted area rugs for days, alas Mom didn’t like this idea. Still I have never had trouble appreciating how cozy an area rug can feel under my bare feet. It is truly like walking on sunshine.

My comfort in rooms with area rugs is noteworthy. I feel so much better knowing they are there. Honestly the sound of clomping feet on hard wood get’s me really anxious and tense. Hand knotted area rugs can really make a guy feel at home. For me, it all stems from those long hours in my own bedroom. Snug as a bug, literally in a rug, that was me. I would go back there in an instant if I could. Things were so much simpler when I could just wrap myself in a rug and space out for a few hours. Now I just stand admiring my area rugs to get peace of mind.

A Deep Interest In Area Rugs

Posted on by D F

I was over a friend’s house recently and could not help but stop everything to admire several silk Persian rugs he had in a few different rooms through out the house. Hors d’œuvres were served while I crawled along the floor of his study searching the intricacies of his hand knotted area rugs, and I love crab cakes. Drinks were poured while I used my camera-phone to photograph the area rug in his sun porch. Champagne might have been nice but I was too drunk off the craftsmanship to bother with it.

This happens to me fairly often. My wife thinks it is crazy how over taken by well crafted area rugs I can be sometimes, though she loved these particularly gorgeous carpets too. I just love a good area rug. I do not have many habits or hobbies but high quality are rugs. I don’t know where this interest stems from or where it is going but I think it’s a great hobby.

My friend and I spent the duration of the evening discussing online rug sales, hand knotting techniques, area rug placement and other rug related topics. It was a thrill to realize that our host just happened to be as serious a rug enthusiast as I was.

Online Rugs

Posted on by D F

Recently I have been a little off put by a lot of the places that you might find oriental rugs for sale. When I look at hand knotted area rugs, I want to admire the work and make decisions about what to purchase, but I do not need to be sold hard on the purchase. If I am going to purchase an area rug, I will know it.

That is why I have taken to doing online rug shopping. It is not that I don’t enjoy touching and smelling the rugs, but given the ability of the web to make commerce easy and less invasive, the trade off is clearly worth it.

I love shopping for everything online so it is no surprise that fine oriental rugs would be the same. The ease with which you can check sizes, colors and styles and the convenience of having the rug delivered to you can not be over stated. I enjoy shopping for area rugs on the web more than I have ever enjoyed shopping for them in the shop. Honestly since I began shopping on through this blog I have never purchased so many rugs. It’s been great for my home and at these great prices easy on my wallet.