Oriental Rugs at Rug Firm - Orange County

Generally, it seems to be assumed that the Oriental rugs are of Egyptian origin, but the evidence to this effect is not very convincing. Oriental rugs are believed to have found their way to the Western markets through the Silk Route. The Silk Route was an ancient caravan route that began at the present-day Istanbul and extended through the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia to China and its seaports. Perhaps as long ago as the fourth century A.D., goods of European manufacturers were introduced to remote villages and settlements following this route. Here they were traded in exchange for indigenous exotic items such as silk, spices, fabrics, and Oriental rugs.

The past and the future of Oriental rugs

The term “Oriental rugs” refers to handmade rugs from the continent of Asia, which includes Turkey, Iran (Persia), Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Nepal, and Tibet. A Persian rug belongs to the category of Oriental rugs, but not all Oriental rugs are Persian. Not very popular only a few decades ago, Oriental rugs have now become a permanent feature in house furnishing around the globe. The durability of these rugs is one of their unique characterictics. The life of the average domestic carpet may be limited to only a few years, while that of Oriental rugs can be measured by decades, or even generations, provided they are properly cared for. Oriental rugs have remained fashionable through the years because they look wonderful in every setting, and combine handsomely with both contemporary and classical furnishings. Meant to be used and walked on, Oriental rugs are considered as the ultimate art form. One can hardly believe that the weavers of these wonderful rugs use only their ten fingures, a pair of small scissors, a hook, and a comb to create these masterpieces of color and design. The skills are traditionally passed on from one generation to the next. Even though the younger generation of rug weavers tend to look elsewhere for employment opportunities, innovations of technology and communications, ease of travel, as well as availability of needed material, have all made the notion of producing Oriental rugs ever more attractive to this group of young, potential weavers.

The basic structure of Oriental rugs

In almost all Oriental rugs, both warp and weft threads are cotton, pile is wool, with either one or two shots of weft inserted over each row of knots. The thickness of the threads in the foundation, the color of the weft threads, and the type of knots used in the weave (Symmetric or Assymetric) are all strong indications as to the exact origin of Oriental rugs. However, regardless of the type of the knot used in Oriental rugs, the pile leans toward the bottom of the rug, where the tedious weaving process first started. This accounts for the shading in Oriental rugs, and the fact that they look somewhat darker when seen from one end than from the other. Although the chrome –or synthetic- dyes commonly used in newer Oriental rugs will not bleed or fade, they do not have the luster and patina found on naturally-dyed rugs. Rediscovery of handspun wool and natural dyes in the production of Oriental rugs during the past few decades has certainly resulted in more beautiful pieces and a higher demand in Western markets.

Characteristics of Oriental rugs

Patterns in Oriental rugs often display motifs that have their own meaning, signifying desire, happiness, longevity, victory, power, and energy. Often, the weavers cultural or religious values are also exhibited in the motifs of the Oriental rugs pattern and the color combination. Considering the fact that creation of Oriental rugs can take a weaver from one month to several years, the impact of cultural or religious values on the final product becomes easier to understand. From their initial steps in production, to their final arrival in modern Western homes, Oriental rugs have stood the test of time. The more intricate patterns of Oriental rugs not only demand a higher number of knots per square inch, but also call for more color changes, which means more time spent on the loom, resulting in a more expensive piece. Knot density plays a major role in evaluation of Oriental rugs, but is not the end-all in rug quality, as is often presumed. The value of Oriental rugs depends on items beyond these rather simple factors.

History of Oriental rugs

The first Oriental rugs imported to the Western markets were actually used in the homes of the families who made them. However, by the beginning of the twentieth century, a few European and American companies set up their businesses in remote lands of the orient and planned the commercial production of Oriental rugs intended solely for Western markets. It was soon realized that Westerners preferred the softer colors in Oriental rugs, but only exposure to natural light and normal wear would produce such effects. To achieve this end, the practice of washing Oriental rugs with strong chemicals was employed. This practice weakened the pile and resulted in premature worn spots in relatively new pieces, thereby damaging the reputation of Oriental rugs greatly.

Choosing an Oriental rug for your home

Oriental rugs are as individual as the regions they come from, as the weaver who ties the knots on them, and as those who purchase them. This is what keeps them forever stylish. Traditionally, these rugs have been preserved as investments in many countries that produce them. Although it is generally believed that Oriental rugs will appreciate in value, it would be much safer to buy a rug to live with and enjoy rather than looking at it as an investment instrument. Many buyers of Oriental rugs, through a few shopping experiences, have come to the conclusion that they should never attempt to find bargains. Instead, potential buyers should seek the help of trusted sources. If you have made a wise choice in selecting Oriental rugs, you can rest assured that you will find them pleasing for the rest of your life.