A Short History of Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs have a deeply rich history, not only as a practical means of protecting floors and warming homes but as a form of ancient art painstakingly crafted in accordance with decades of cultural traditions.

Oriental Origins

Beautiful, hand-woven rugs are classified by their place of origin. The richest traditions of hand-woven rugs belong to Turkish, Indian, Caucasian, Turkmen, and Persian rugs.

That being said, these carefully crafted beauties can come from a number of other regions. There is a long history of Tibetan, Chinese, and Afghani rugs. Hand-woven rugs from this broad region are typically referred to as Oriental rugs.

While today these stunning works of art can be produced in many parts of the globe, with quick and affordable versions being created with machines, the most striking oriental rugs are still hand-woven in the places where their traditions began centuries ago.

Textiles and Designs

Wool, silk, cotton, and nylon are the most commonly used fibers for rug-making. The majority of fine Oriental rugs are crafted from wool because of its resilience and stain resistance.

The most intriguing aspect of Oriental rugs lies in their rich colors and complex symbolism. Historically, you could trace a rug back to its origin simply by looking at its design, as the most authentic designs reflect the area of its creation.

Ancient rug makers would weave colors, patterns, and shapes related to their surroundings into their intricate designs, a tradition that still holds true today.

Persian Rugs Vs. Oriental Rugs

By the strictest definition, Oriental rugs are only created in Asia. Persian rugs are also considered Oriental rugs, but they are only hand-crafted in Iran.

There are a few distinguishing design features that help to differentiate the two types of rugs as well.

Persian rugs tend to have an unusually thick pile – up to 160 knots per square inch. Alongside this, Persian rugs are known for their extremely rich color combinations, unique designs, and a distinct knot that distinguishes them from Asian varieties.

Introducing Oriental Rugs to the West

Western Europe was a little late to the party when it came to introducing woven carpets into their homes.

During the 17^th Century, Oriental rugs began to make their way through European doorways by way of trade through Venice, but it would still be another 100 years before Europeans started putting them on their floors.

At the time of their introduction, Europeans preferred to hang the beautifully woven fabrics on their walls, in the form of tapestries, or to lay them decoratively across their tables.

We have come a long way since then. Across the globe, carefully woven rugs and carpets have become an integral part of interior design. Modern conceptions have joined traditional patterns, creating more choices than ever to bring character and color into your home.

Feel free to browse our collection online, or better yet, give us a call and book an appointment to see some of the beautiful pieces that we carry in person. Serving New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, our showroom has dozens of gorgeous, hand-woven rugs in all sizes and color patterns, just waiting to find the perfect place in your home. 516-510-9188