HAND-MADE AREA RUGS

SAVONNERIE RUG

'Savon' is the French word for soap and 'Savonnerie' is the word for a 'soap factory'. 

An old soap factory on the outskirts of Paris gave it's name to a large number of European carpets which were made originally for those magnificent French palaces whose names are synonymous with ultimate regal luxury: The palaces at Versailles and The Louvre, for example. 

SISAL RUG

With the botanical name Agave sisalana, is a species of Agave native to southern Mexico but widely cultivated and naturalized in many other countries. It yields a stiff fibre used in making various products. The term sisal may refer either to the plant's common name or the fibre, depending on the context. It is sometimes referred to as "sisal hemp", because for centuries hemp was a major source for fibre, and other fibre sources were named after it.

A rug with grass-like which is twisted together in strands and sewn into squares. Is suitable for contemporary setting and country homes.

REFERENCES:

Safavieh. (2016). Re:The Savonnerie Collection Web site. Retrieve from http://safavieh.com/rugs/savonnerie/sav206a

Stockwell. (n.d.).Re: Savonnerie Carpets and Rugs. Retrieve from http://stockwellcarpets.com/default.aspx?categoryid=5&pid=29#top

G.W.Lock, Sisal-Longmans Green & Co. (1969) . Re: Sisal Web site. Retrieve form 16 January 2017 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisal

VidaLondon. (n.d). Re: Basket Weave Sisal Carpet Web site. Retrieve from http://carpet.vidalondon.net/basket-weave-sisal-carpet/

MOROCCAN RUG

        The Moroccan rugs are most famous for their dynamic color designs and bold geometric patterns. Today, the Moroccan rug is one the industry’s hottest design trend. Each piece is a sliver of history, a slice of true folk art, and is an heirloom that may be passed down for generations.

Though their earliest existence only dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, these pieces have withstood the test of time and have earned their social status with the ever-changing interior design world.

        These treasures are the birth-child of a cross between central and western Turkish rugs during the mid 1800’s. Notoriously distinct for their geometric designs, the Moroccan rug features bold designs that differ from traditional Persian rugs adding an element of timelessness. These versatile rugs are great statement pieces that withstands the tests of time regardless of changing trends in the design field.

        The Moroccan rugs have become “the rug of choice” for many interior designers as well as private consumers. They don’t have a long history but are most notable for their dynamic colorful modernist designs as well as for their strong sense of geometric structure (and abstract designs). None so far have been dated to before the mid nineteenth century, when their production began as an adaptation of central and western Turkish rugs, whose repertoire was followed closely by the weavers in Morocco.

        The Moroccan rugs are, nevertheless, distinctive in their coloration and in the more block-like geometry of their composition.

REFERENCE:

Moroccan Rugs. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2017, from https://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/vintage/morocco/moroccan/

NEEDLEWORK RUGS

Needlework rugs, also known as Needlepoint rugs or Embroidered rugs, are among the most prized pieces of home décor available in the market. They add sophistication, elegance and beauty to any room. They are masterpieces from previous generations that bring with them a long history.

Needlework rug is a form of counted thread embroidery in which yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas. They are not like woven rugs, where the patterns are constructed or formed on a loom. Most needlepoint designs completely cover the canvas. This kind of rug rely upon color changes in the yarn to construct the pattern. 

Not only was embroidery used for decoration but also as a symbol of wealth and prestige. In the past, it was only aristocratic women, who embroidered rugs for their homes. During the 16th century embroidered rugs were adopted for commercial sale. During this period, designers used animals and regional flowers in the patterns and included a coat of arms to distinguish the person who designed them. After centuries, Victorian embroidered carpets with illusionistic, three dimensional flowers became popular. 

Over time, patterns became more elaborate and distinguished. There are even patterns that tell stories inspired by local traditions and cultural beliefs.

Needlework rugs have a rich history and have never really gone out of style. They will look great in traditional homes, contemporary rooms, or as part of an heirloom theme. You just need to choose a pattern or style that goes well with your furniture and other home décor. 

REFERENCES:

Rich History of Embroidered Rugs and Carpets. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2017, from http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/articles/the-rich-history-of-embroidered-rugs-and-carpets

Needlepoint. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlepoint

KILIM RUGS

          Kilim, a word of Turkish origin, denotes a pile less textile of many uses produced by one of several flat weaving techniques that have a common or closely related heritage and are practice in the geographical area that includes parts of Turkey (Anatolia and Thrace), North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia and China.

          Although at times you may find kilim rugs included in the general genre of "oriental rugs", in more accepted practice kilims are in a class of their own.

The major difference between a kilim area rug and a carpet or a pile rug is that whereas the design visible on a pile rugs is made by individual short strands of different colour being knotted onto the warps and held together by pressing the wefts tightly, kilim designs are made by interweaving the variously coloured wefts and warps, thus creating what is known as a flat weave.

          Kilims are generally woven with the slit weave technique. The slit refers to the gap left between two blocks of colour. It is created by returning the weft around the last warp in a colour area, and the weft of the adjacent colour is later returned around the adjacent warp. 

Weavers pack the weft tightly to completely cover the warp and often favour diagonal patterns so as to avoid weakening the structure of the rug with vertical slits. It produces bold, sharp patterns that weavers enjoy creating with more freedom allowed than a plain weave. This is also why kilims are so closely associated with geometrical designs even though there are are kilims with floral designs as well.

         Kilim rugs are one of the best known and most popular traditional flat weaves. The fine craftsmanship of weaving that kind of textile has been handed down by nomadic tribes over centuries. Berber rugs are a further kind of traditional rugs, which also have been crafted by nomads. Originally, kilim rugs have been produced in the geographic regions of Iran and Afghanistan, where they have been made with the help of simple tools like looms. Just like sisal rugs, traditional kilim rugs are characterised by a firm, flat-woven surface, giving it a robust and easy-care texture. Thus, the hand woven rugs found a variety of uses – they served decorative purposes as wall hangings, and practical functions like floor coverings, bags or horse saddles.

          The long tradition of weaving kilim rugs has been passed from generation to generation and most often produced kilims with traditional geometric designs. Animals and plants were also widely used motifs as these depicted the direct surrounding of many nomads. Most often, wool was the primary material for kelim rugs, as wool rugs have good heat insulating properties and take on dyes very well. While these were traditionally natural, obtained from plants and vegetables, synthetic dyes are used more often nowadays, as these do not fade as quickly and give runners and area rugs brilliant colours.

Modern kilim rugs

          Modern kilim rugs are inspired by the traditional craft of weaving and bring a dash of classic elegance to every home. Although they are now often produced with modern techniques and designed with the latest colours, elements of their traditional motifs remain preserved. Thus kilim rugs form a significant facet of the ethnic style that is currently popular among lovers of interior design, as the patterns and colours of this look are just as popular as the ones of kilim rugs. Since many kilims display natural, earthy tones, they exude an aura of calm and relaxation and thereby create an atmosphere full of harmony, whether as kitchen rugs or bedroom rugs.

          Kilims have become very popular interior designing as they give instant personality to a space. Their colours and attractive features make unique eye catchers in any interior. Below some examples of interiors with kilim rugs and cushions.

REFERENCES:

De Lange, D. (n.d.). The Style FIles. Retrieved January 21, 2017, from http://style-files.com/2012/11/04/kilim-love/

Kilim Rugs . (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2017, from http://www.benuta.co.uk/kilim-rugs.html#isPage=1

RYA RUGS

          Rya Rugs (or Ryijy) are the traditional Scandinavian rugs made in Sweden and Finland, and word “Rya” actually means Rug. The vintage Scandinavian Rya rugs that were made in Sweden have extremely long, dense pile and were inspired by the Turkish “Yataks” or bedding rugs. Simple patterns, stripes and geometric designs are emblematic of these textural treasures. 

          Scandinavia’s fantastic vintage rya Rugs are modernist, luxurious and superbly stylish. With such rich textures, bold colours and abstract designs, it’s not surprising that these luscious mid-century rugs are working their way back into modern interiors. After Islamic textiles were introduced to the far north around the 10th century, it didn’t take Scandinavian craftspeople long to produce their own re-creations. The first long-pile Ryas were worn by sailors and fishermen, and they were also used as insulating bed-covers.

          This enduring Nordic textile enjoyed centuries of popularity first as an upper-class bed covering and later as a local handicraft. During the 1600’s, decorative Rya rugs were made for dowries, featured in wedding ceremonies and displayed in homes. The popularity of these luxurious, colourful rugs really took off in the mid-20th century when shag carpets were must-have accessories, and Scandinavian design pieces were all the rage. The scrumptious texture and rich colours of vintage Scandinavian Ryas have earned them a place in stylish homes once again.

REFERENCES:

Nazmiyal, J. (n.d.). Rya Rugs. Retrieved January 21, 2017, from https://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/vintage/scandinavia/rya/