Design Guide Online Editorial

Today, Ambiance Home Decor, Inc. shares with Design Guide some history and background to the intricacies of rug-making:

The term of “Oriental Carpets” refers to carpets made in the East, ranging from Turkey (Anatolia), Caucasus, Iran (Persia), Afghanistan, West Pakistan and some parts of India and China.

Anatolian is the label given to the rugs from Turkey, which used to be called Anatolia. Rugs started to be produced and sold in this area as long ago as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

The earliest patterns were composed of highly stylish geometrical forms, but in time these gave way to richer, intricate and more imaginative floral designs.

The materials used in these rugs are hand-spun wool with some cotton, and they were made on wooden looms operated by women. These are all double-knotted, which makes the rugs stronger and durable.

The patterns used in these designs were mostly inspired from nature (i.e. a tree, a leaf, a flower, a spray of flowers). Flowers have always been a favorite and overarching design theme in rugs. The flowers that most often occur in the design details of these rugs are the chrysanthemum and lotus flower, which represent happiness and glory. The tree of life design stands for divine power, a long life or even immortality.

• Rachel Duke's blog

Related terms: Designers, Rugs & Carpets

by: Rachel Duke