At Persian Rug Galleries, I enjoy helping customers learn about the history of fine Oriental rugs - where they developed, how they grew to claim worldwide popularity, and how they're made. If you were to come into our showroom today, here's a taste of what I would try to communicate to you.
It started with nomadic tribesmen
First, to understand fine Oriental rugs, you need to understand a little about their background. The rugs which now adorn countless homes, offices, and even palaces trace their ancestry to nomadic tribes which wandered the desolate lands of Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. These nomadic tribesman who herded sheep used the wool to create monochromatic flat-weave rugs.
Centuries to evolve
As time passed, they began dying the wool with natural dyes and creating simple, geometric patterns. These same centuries-old techniques can still be found in grain sacks and saddlebags being woven today by people whose lifestyle remains the same as their ancient ancestors.
Ancient techniques still in use
No one knows when the first tufts of wool were woven into the threads of a carpet to create a raised surface, or pile. Pile rugs have been discovered in tombs and burial sites that date back to the 5th century BC. These early rugs demonstrate many of the same techniques and designs still in use today. During the 16th and 17th century, these pile rugs became coveted in Europe, and in the 18th century they began to be used on the floor instead of just as table coverings and wall hangings. Their popularity has continued to grow, and they can now be found throughout the world.
Can't be duplicated by machine
A large part of the mystique and value of Oriental rugs is the continuing tradition of their creation. It is still a process which must be done by hand and that allows for individual interpretations of the artisan doing the weaving. No machine-made rug can duplicate the quality and craftsmanship of a genuine Oriental rug.
If you'd like to learn more specific information about how they're created, go to the loom page in this portion of our Web site.
– Sy Mahfuz
With excerpts from "The Mystique of Oriental Rugs."
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