Rita Oriental Rugs

1. The Mystique
Oriental rugs have enchanted and fascinated owners and viewers throughout the world for centuries. Their painstaking craftmanship , enchanting patterns and magical beauty captivate everyone. They are dreams made incarnate...twisting labyrinths of flowers, mystical animals and ancient symbols.

The traditional patterns have been handed down through countless generations, yet they are infused with individuality when a weaver sits down at the loom and creates his own interpretation of the dictates of history.

They are the embodiment of beauty and when we open ourselves to their message and take delight in their exotic designs, we enrich our lives immeasurably.

2. Handmade rugs

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 individuals interpretations of the artisan doing the weaving. No machine-made rug can duplicate the quality and craftmanship of a genuine Oriental rug.

A loom is used and a vertical foundation of threads (called warps) is stretched from one end of the loom to the other. These foundation threads are usually cotton, which adheres to the wool to create a sturdy rug. However, some rugs have wool warps, and others are made with silk. The latter are often entirely composed of silk and are extremely fine and valuable.

Usually the weaver makes several rows of flat weaving before beginning knotting, which gives stability to the rug. The weaver then begins making the pattern, tying a knot with the appropriate colored wool and cutting it off roughly. A knot is tied around the warp threads all the way across the rug, then a horizontal(weft) thread is woven across the top of the knots and pounded down with a comb. Then another row is begun. When a flat weave rug is woven, the weft thread creates the pattern.

Nomadic rugs are usually woven by women who have memorized certain traditional patterns. They create these patterns as they work and usually vary the pattern slightly as the rug is woven. In villages and commercial workshops, a more detailed drawing of a design(called a cartoon) is set down on graph paper before weaving begins. Each square in this drawing represents a single knot.

A skilled weaver can tie from 10,000 to 14,000 knots in a day. This is a tremendous amount of work, and on a rug which has about 160 knots per square inch measuring six feet by nine feet, only one inch across the entire width will be completed in one day. To complete the rug it will take the weaver approximately five months.

As rows of knots are completed, they are cut off evenly. A final shearing takes place after the rug is removed from the loom. This is usually done in workshops by specially trained artisans, as a single mistake can ruin months of labor. With some rugs, particularly Chinese, the design is then sculpted to enhance the definition of the pattern. The final step is washing the rug, which cleans and adds luster to the wool. The washing and drying is a careful process.

3. Types of knots

The two most common types of knots are the Turkish (or Ghiordes) and the Persian (or Senneh) knot. The Turkish knot is primarily used in Turkey, Western Iran and the Caucasus, while the Persian knot is used further east, in India, Pakistan, central and western Iran, and China. While there is no difference in the appearance or durability of the two types, it is often possible to detect which was used by examining the back of the rug.

The first rugs made were probably flat-weave rugs, and many are still being produced today. Flat woven carpets are sturdy, versatile and have the added benefit of being more affordable than their counterparts. Many of the contemporary flat-weave rugs found in the United States today are from India and Romania. These rugs, called dhurries, haved gained a large measure of popularity for their cheerful designs and the interest they bring to rooms. They're available in a wide variety of colors and sizes and the simple geometric designs and fanciful animal and floral motifs compliment many American homes.

4. Oriental rug patterns

Most Oriental rugs are rectangular and have a field and border. One of the most common designs is that of a central medallion either alone or with designs radiating from it. The field may also be composed of small repetitive patterns, depict a scene or be divided into several compartments.

The border frames the field and may be simple lines or intricate patterns which extend into the field. Certain border designs are quite popular and may include a single or multiple lines or symbols such as the Greek key, a wandering vine, the stylized turtle and the scroll.

Some of the most popular field designs are the tree of life, hunting scenes and the prayer rugs. Prayer rugs are easy to recognize because the rectangular field contains an arch or similar shape which comes to a point at one end. These designs represent the prayer niches used by Moslems in a mosque. Often images of religious articles associated with Islamic worship, such as lamps, ewers and combs are contained in the pattern.

Three of the most widely seen classic design elements are the gul, an octagonal geometric shaape; the boteh, which resembles a paisley and has been described as a pear, leaf or pine cone; and the Herati, which consists of a rosette inside a diamond which is flanked by four curled leaves that resemble a stylized fish.

5. Chinese rug symbols
Perhaps the symbols on Chinese rugs are most graphic in their relationships to the world around us. Often a message can be read in the symbols on a Chinese rug once their meaning has been fathomed. Some of the most common symbols found on Chinese rugs are:

Lotus Flower - the Sun
Dragon - guardian of the holy tree and the sacred pearl
Serpent - desire
Lion & dog - victory, power, energy
Phoenix - elegance, benevolence and the carrier of good things
Stork - longevity
Bat - happiness
Butterfly - in China, the emblem of Cupid
Fish - domestic and married happiness
Pearl - the male and female elements in nature

6. The origins
Afghanistan
Rugs from Afghanistan tend to be quite stylized with a limited number of colors. The Afghan guls and the Ersari are similar to the "Bokhara" in pattern and color and are the basis for most Afghanistan rugs. Another popular type is the Belouch, which are primarily made by nomadic tribesmen. The Belouch weavers are particularly fond of prayer rugs in dark colors and primarily utilize geometric patterns.

Some Afghan-style rugs go through a process called "gold washing" in which the original red color is chemically changed to shades of gold, coral and amber. The effect is quite pleasing and often adds to the value of the carpet. To determine if a rug has undergone this procedure, spread the pile to expose the knots, which will remain unbleached and red.

China

Traditional Chinese rugs are immediately recognizable by their simple, classic motifs and unusual colors. These rugs often feature a center, circular medallion; familiar objects seen in nature such as animals, flowers and clouds; stylized Chinese ideographs; and even entire sceness. They are usually framed with a simple, wide border.

Contemporary Chinese rugs are produced in large workshops and meet strict quality standards, so they are consistent in quality no matter in which area of China they are woven. The rugs are woven with a 5-ply yarn, in contrast with 2-ply yarns used in Iran. Many Chinese rugs are sculpted where contrasting colors meet to provide interest and texture to the simple patterns.

China also produces rugs with non-indigenous Chinese designs including Persian, French Aubusson and Savonnerie, and Art Deco. These rugs are usually of high quality and extremely durable. In addition, China produces a tufted rug in various designs which is less costly. A hand-held tufting gun is used to insert the pile through a canvas or duck backing and a heavy cloth is guled to the back of the rug after completion. These rugs are handmade, but not handwoven and therefore do not fit the definiton of "Oriental Rugs".

India

India, in recent years has become one of the leading centers of Oriental rug production due greatly to its large, primarily rural poplulation. The rug industry has boosted the standard of living for many Indians while allowing them to remain in a rural setting instead of traveling to a city to find industrial employment.

More rugs are currently imported by the United States from India than from any other country. As most of the rugs produced are destined for export, Indian craftsmen are very conscious of market demands and rugs from India are available in a wide range of colors, sizes and designs.

Most of the patterns produced in India originated in other countries and practically every popular carpet design is produced. Since the rugs are not representative of the area where they are produced, it's wise not to rely on the name of the rug for its place of origin. India is also a leader in producing the newly-popular dhurrie rug and there is a wide selection of charming flat-weave rugs from which to choose.

Iran

For many people, the term "Oriental" rug and "Persian" rug are mistakenly synonymous. The Persian empire was where rug-making reached its zenith during the 16th century and many of the traditional patterns and weaving techniques are still being practiced in Iran. In addition, there are other types of rug-weaving in Iran which range with simple pieces produced by nomadic people to highly sophisticated rugs produced in workshops which have preserved this historical Persian art.

Iranian rugs are usually named afer th town, district or tribal area where they are produced and include the classic Kerman, Sarouk, Tabriz and Hirez. Eache area has its traditional patterns and typical palette of colors. The design of Iranian rugs reflects the Persian passion for detail and displays an intricate interplay between geometric and floral patterns.

Because labor and production costs have risen rapidly in Iran and the amount of weaving has declined, rugs from that country are more costly than those of comparable quality from surrounding areas. The political situation has also contributed to making Iranian rugs more difficult to obtain. But despite the many problems besetting the country, "Persian" rugs continue to be much sought after and prized.

Pakistan

The surrounding countries have had a tremendous impact on Pakistan, and the result in the rug industry has been a blending of Persian, Caucasian and Turkish designs. When Pakistan was separated from India after World War II, the weaving industry went into a decline. Recent governmnent support has resulted in a thriving industry for the country and Oriental rugs being produced there are increasingly more diverse and higher in quality.

One of the favorite patterns of Pakistan is the 'elephant foot' or 'gul' design of Bokharas. In addition to the traditional red background, Pakistani Bokharas now are being woven in a wide spectrum of colors and in many different sizes. In recent years, Pakistani weavers have diversified into other designs and today are utilizing many of the traditional Persian floral patterns.

Romania
Romania has a 300-year history of producing beautiful, high quality rugs. However, this tradition faltered during World War I. It wasn't until 1950, when the Romanian government established communes and centralized the rug-weaving industry, that Romania began a resurgence in rug production.

The rugs produced by Romania today meet high standards of quality and include a wide array of Persian and Caucasian designs. The names given to Romanian rugs are from towns, provinces, rivers and mountains, but the names do not reflect where the rug was produced. Instead, they classify the quality of the rugs in terms of knots per meter.

In recent years Romania has become known for the quality of its carpets and wide variety of sizes in differing patterns that are available. Romanian kilims, with a classic design of regularly-spaced, colorful flowers sometimes interspersed with ears of grain, are among the best quality kilims currently being produced.

Turkey

Turkey, once a center of rug weaving, suffered a decline during the past fifty years. The disruption of the first World War affected the industry for many years. It is only in recent years that it has begun to regain its standing in the marketplace. Because of this interruption in production, many of the available rugs from Turkey fall into the "semi-antique" (between 50 and 75 years old) and antique (over 100 years old) categories. These rugs are highly prized for their designs, colors and quality.

Today the Turkish government is encouraging rug weaving as a cottage industry. The rugs being produced are of high quality and faithfully follow the traditional designs. In response to the decorative needs in the United States, the traditional brilliant reds and blues are being softened and modified by Turkish weavers.

While the number of exports is still relatively small, the rug weaving tradition is slowly growing and interesting rugs are again being produced in Turkey.

The former Soviet Union
Two areas of the former Soviet Union are traditionally noted for the beautiful rugs they produce: Turkestan in Central Asia and the Caaucasus Mountains. While this centuries-old tradition was interrupted when the Communists took control, it is now being encouraged in government factories in both areas and is slowly developing

Rugs from the Caucasus typically have bright colors and strong geometric patterns which sometimes feature both animal and human figures. The rugs being made today maintain the traditional patterns and colors and continue to be high in quality.

Turkestan is notable for its production of the ancient "Bokhara" patterns. These rugs are traditionally a deep shade of red with a repeating pattern of guls(polygons) in dark blue, black or brown with white accents. As in the past, wool is used for the foundation material as well as the pile.

Other Origins
Numerous other countries in Asia produce rugss, but they're often available in limited quantities, patterns and sizes. Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria produce rugs which follow the traditional Persian patterns and are well-constructed. Rugs from Tibet and Nepal usually follow traditional Chinese designs, but the colors tend to be brighter and the rugs smaller. Handwoven rugs are also exported from Spain, Egypt, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Tunisia and Poland, but many are flat-woven rugs and the production is limited.