Oriental Rugs and Oriental Carpets

Oriental rug is a moniker used originally by Europeans when they became aware di and began to appreciate the art of handmade carpets in the Islamic world and beyond. Essentially, the term can be applied to rugs made in an area that rug retailers call the rug belt, which extends Carpet producing countries from North Africa, Middle Eastern countries, Central Asia, eastwards through India, Pakistan, China and Tibet.

Oriental rugs are made using techniques, materials and designs as varied as their countries of origin. They can be woven flat or with a pile using unique knotting techniques. Designs range from simplistic Moroccan and Tibetan rugs to more elaborate Persian rugs. Sizes range from the scale of a small notebook to carpets large enough for palace ballrooms. The range of Oriental rugs is so wide and eclectic that it needs to be broken down in the different regions and in the characteristics that define the carpets produced in these regions or countries.

Persian

Persian rugs are probably the most important of all floor coverings called "oriental rugs". That is because Persian rugs are not only floor covering but works of art known for their rich natural colors and fantastical designs. They are made with organic wool, silk and cotton and are dyed with natural dyes. The hard work and focus on high quality at every stage of the process is crucial to enhancing the beauty of these rugs.

Turkish

The most unique element in the hand crafting of Turkish rugs is the knot. Unlike any other rug, Turkish (sometimes called Anatolian) rugs are made using a double knot, i.e. each strand of loops is twisted twice in the weft. Although Turkish rugs can be made from wool, silk, cotton or a mixture of different materials, the most famous Turkish rugs are made entirely of silk dyed with organic pigmented colors.

Caucasus and Turkmen

The Caucasus mountain region has been producing carpets since the 18th century. The nomadic rugs woven in this region feature bold geometric patterns. Distinctive, sometimes primitive, tribal designs often feature primary colors that stand out. The countries of origin of these popular collectibles are Dagestan, a country located along the Caspian Sea just east of Russia are Chechnya, Georgia and northern Azerbaijan, another country that produces fantastic Caucasian rugs.

Egyptian

Egypt is not known worldwide for its oriental rugs. As a nation, Egypt has never been drawn to the art of carpet making. Although there are fine examples of Egyptian rugs dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, this is only an import from Iran were discontinued in 1952 after the Egyptian revolution, where the country began producing its own tastefully carpets. As such, Egyptian rugs do not necessarily have their own distinct appearance, but they mimic the patterns of Persian rugs. Since the pattern of Egyptian weavers was the Persian rug, the Egyptian rug is woven using the unique asymmetrical knot used by Persian weavers.

Indian

Another country that benefitted from Persian influence in the rug trade is India. Due to Persian migration and Indian appreciation for hand knotted fine Persian rugs, traditional Carpet makers in India attach great importance to Persian designs, especially those from Tabriz.

Pakistani

Pakistan, weavers produce a wide range of rugs from rugs inspired by Persian designs from Gabbeh, Kashan, Mahal and Sultanabad to Caucasian-inspired Bukhara rugs and flat-weave Dhurrie rugs which are similar to Kilim rugs. But the most popular hand-knotted Pakistani rug is undoubtedly the Chobi, also called Ziegler, Oushak and Peshawar. Chobi rugs are woven with hand spun wool and natural dyes.

Afghani

Afghani rugs are hand-woven rugs made in Afghanistan, mainly in the north and west of the country. Afghan refugees outside the country, due to almost a century of virtually continuous political turmoil, also produce rugs, especially in Pakistan and Iran. Some of the finest and most sought after Afghan rugs are made in western Afghanistan, in the province of Herat. These oriental rugs are called Adraskan or Shindand.

Moroccan

Almost all Moroccan rugs are handmade from start to finish. From shearing the wool, to washing and dyeing the wool, to weaving the rugs knot by knot, each step of the process is carried out manually. The techniques have evolved over the years, but derive from ancient knotting and weaving methods passed down over centuries from weaver to weaver. Another source of knot methodology for Moroccans was introduced by the Persians in the 14th century.