History of Oriental Rugs
Early Greek and Arab writers have referenced carpets as far back the 4th century BC.
Many of the first rugs were used as saddle covers for horses.
One of these carpets was found in a burial mound in the Altai Mountains in Southern Siberia.
This particular carpet was known as the Paxyrk carpet.
It is one of the earliest know carpets and is one of the earliest surviving example of a hand knotted carpet.
The technique of knotting carpets was supposedly started by the nomadic tribes of Central Asia.
The tribes made small rugs that were decorated with geometric motifs.
These motifs were inspired by pant and animal forms.
The rugs were practical serving as floor coverings, saddle bags and decorative as wall hangings and curtains.
This talent of rug making spread throughout the world because the nomads would have to move around when their security was threatened.
When they adapted in new lands then they would spread the talent to new people.
The greatest carpet making centers were developed in Persia and Turkey.
The period from the 16th century through the first part of the 18th century were known as Persia's golden age of carpet making.
The reason it was called this was because the carpet were many time woven of wool, silk, gold and silver.
Then they were studded with precious stones.
Their designs were set in an array of colors and original designs.
Turkey has been another country that has had carpet making as long as Persia.
Marco Polo described the carpets as being the most beautiful in the world when he was traveling the Turkish region.
Through the Italian merchants the Oriental rugs became very valuable in Europe.
Oriental rugs hung along the streets of Venice where the major trading network was.
Venetians used the Oriental rugs to decorate their gondolas and as window coverings.
It was a beautiful place to walk and see all the different styles of Oriental rugs.
The Lord Chancellor of England was reported to have purchased over sixty Turkish rugs to decorate his palace at Hampton Court.
One of the earliest knotted rugs survived because of the Siberian ice in the Altai Mountains.
This rug was covered by ice within a burial chamber It had been preserved for over 2500 years.
This rug was a Pazyrk rug that measures approximately 6 by 5 feet and is woven with the Turkish knot.
The design is of elk and horsemen in a tile pattern.
Wealthy families decorated their homes with these beautiful rugs in the 18th century.
From window coverings to table covering to floor coverings these magnificent carpets were seen throughout the homes of the rich.
The greatest period of creativity was 1499-1722.
This time period produced the most fantastic rugs of the historic times.
When these rugs were hung in the home it showed the wealth and taste the family had.
Even in today's world the beautiful Oriental rugs dress up any room and add a touch of class.
Many of the first rugs were used as saddle covers for horses.
One of these carpets was found in a burial mound in the Altai Mountains in Southern Siberia.
This particular carpet was known as the Paxyrk carpet.
It is one of the earliest know carpets and is one of the earliest surviving example of a hand knotted carpet.
The technique of knotting carpets was supposedly started by the nomadic tribes of Central Asia.
The tribes made small rugs that were decorated with geometric motifs.
These motifs were inspired by pant and animal forms.
The rugs were practical serving as floor coverings, saddle bags and decorative as wall hangings and curtains.
This talent of rug making spread throughout the world because the nomads would have to move around when their security was threatened.
When they adapted in new lands then they would spread the talent to new people.
The greatest carpet making centers were developed in Persia and Turkey.
The period from the 16th century through the first part of the 18th century were known as Persia's golden age of carpet making.
The reason it was called this was because the carpet were many time woven of wool, silk, gold and silver.
Then they were studded with precious stones.
Their designs were set in an array of colors and original designs.
Turkey has been another country that has had carpet making as long as Persia.
Marco Polo described the carpets as being the most beautiful in the world when he was traveling the Turkish region.
Through the Italian merchants the Oriental rugs became very valuable in Europe.
Oriental rugs hung along the streets of Venice where the major trading network was.
Venetians used the Oriental rugs to decorate their gondolas and as window coverings.
It was a beautiful place to walk and see all the different styles of Oriental rugs.
The Lord Chancellor of England was reported to have purchased over sixty Turkish rugs to decorate his palace at Hampton Court.
One of the earliest knotted rugs survived because of the Siberian ice in the Altai Mountains.
This rug was covered by ice within a burial chamber It had been preserved for over 2500 years.
This rug was a Pazyrk rug that measures approximately 6 by 5 feet and is woven with the Turkish knot.
The design is of elk and horsemen in a tile pattern.
Wealthy families decorated their homes with these beautiful rugs in the 18th century.
From window coverings to table covering to floor coverings these magnificent carpets were seen throughout the homes of the rich.
The greatest period of creativity was 1499-1722.
This time period produced the most fantastic rugs of the historic times.
When these rugs were hung in the home it showed the wealth and taste the family had.
Even in today's world the beautiful Oriental rugs dress up any room and add a touch of class.
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