The Art of Oriental Rugs

Welcome to the world of beautiful handwoven treasures. Handwoven carpets can be traced back over 2500 years, when they were first woven to provide a warm wall covering for primitive dwellings. The next logical step was to place them on the cold floors. In time, the idea to make the weavings decorative as well as functional was born.

The fundamentals of oriental rug construction have changed little since those original weavings. For centuries, rugs have been hand knotted on a foundation formed by warp and weft threads. Each knot of the rug is tied by hand, as a weaver or elder sings the "talim." A talim is a scroll that contains the location and color of each and every knot of the carpet. Designs are also drawn on what we know as graph paper, or, are actually woven from memory.

There are few decorative items for your home that contain the history and beauty of handwoven oriental rugs. Weaving rugs is a true art form that combines design and function to create a masterpiece for the floors of your home. You and your family will enjoy many years of pleasure from the beautiful rugs you own. Properly cared for, a good quality rug has a life span of many generations.

Definition

How Rugs Are Produced

Wools and Dyes

Design Elements

Types and Origins

Common Sizes