Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs are exceptionally durable, high-quality pieces that owe their origins to a wide range of countries across Asia. Recognised for their rich colour palette and timeless designs these rugs are handknotted by skilled artisans and are made to stand the test of time; often passed down through generations, becoming treasured family heirlooms.
What Are Oriental Rugs?
Oriental rugs are unique, high quality pieces that have been skilfully handknotted by craftspeople and originate from a range of counties across Asia such as Afghanistan, Pakistan & India. These rugs are meticulously crafted from soft, handspun wool resulting in a cosy yet durable pile. Designs vary widely, from bold geometric motifs to intricate floral arrangements, with each region producing distinctive styles and colour palettes. Some of the symbols woven into traditional rugs have been traced back to ancient cave paintings, linking these textiles to artistic traditions that span millennia.
What Makes Oriental Rugs So Unique?
Authentic Oriental rugs stand apart due to their meticulous craftsmanship, rich history, and unique designs. Unlike machine-made rugs, these pieces are are handcrafted, knot-by-knot, by skilled tradespeople. The intricate patterns and high-quality materials ensure they are not just decorative but also highly durable.
Oriental rugs are also pigmented using natural dyes, resulting in a rich nuanced colour palette. These colours wear particularly well, maintaining their vibrancy over time.
The patterns woven throughout these traditional rugs often have long-established cultural and historical roots with many of the designs including symbolic elements that have been passed down through generations. In some cases, the motifs used in Oriental rugs can be traced back to ancient civilisations, with similar symbols appearing in Neolithic cave paintings.
Types of Oriental Rugs
There is a variety of Oriental rug styles, each with their own distinctive patterns, motifs and colour palette. We'll explore three of our favourite Oriental rug styles below.
Ariana Ziegler Rugs: A Blend of East & West
Ziegler rugs were introduced by German company, Ziegler & Co, in the 19th century to combine Western interior design with Persian rug weaving techniques. As a result, one of the most distinctive features of Ziegler rugs is their muted, natural colour palette; including soft, earthy tones such as beige, cream, brown, red, blue and yellow. Ziegler rug patterns are intricate, often incorporating geometric motifs, floral elements and circular details. The composition is carefully structured, ensuring harmony across the entire rug. The craftsmanship behind Ariana Ziegler rugs is highly-skilled. Each piece is handknotted from pure wool using a complex knotting technique which results in a luxuriously thick and exceptionally durable pile. These rugs are truly designed to last a lifetime, maintaining their design and structure for years.
Oushak Rugs: A Modern Take on Traditional Design
Oushak rugs, also known as Ushak rugs, originate back to the 15th century and are easily identified by their large scale, organic floral designs and soft muted palette. These striking designs are often quite spacious, allowing the design elements to stand out against the background. The colour palette is typically more modern than many traditional Oriental rugs; featuring warm shades of red, pink, gold, green and blue. Each Oushak rug is handknotted from pure wool. The wool used is known for its silky, luminous texture, resulting in a soft, luxurious pile. The blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern colour palettes makes Oushak rugs a versatile choice for various interior styles. Whether used in a classic, contemporary or eclectic space, their muted tones and dynamic patterns create a sense of warmth and elegance.
Afghan Kilim Rugs: An Injection of Colour
Celebrated for their vibrant colours and unique style, Afghan Kilim rugs have continued to brighten and refresh interior spaces; transcending trends throughout the years. The striking geometric designs invite symmetry and balance, with patterns that range from simple, repeating motifs to more complex and intricate compositions. Expertly handknotted from pure wool these rugs boast a thin, lightweight pile that is durable and easy to clean. Typically, the wool used in Afghan Kilims is spun by hand and dyed using natural plant-based materials, contributing to their organic and rich color palette.
