Rug Blog – Great interiors aren’t complete without great rugs. Antique rugs can be conversation starters, statement pieces or supporting players that give an interior harmony and unity. These textural handcrafts absorb sound, provide structure and add a bold dash of color. Rugs are available in an innumerable assortment of styles that are as diverse as today’s interiors. The places and the ways that carpets are used and displayed are also endless. When hung on walls, rugs and tribal textiles create a splendid effect. Traditional Oriental area rugs and Persian rugs are just the beginning, however.
There are neoclassical and vintage rugs from Europe, Scandinavian mid-century rugs and stylish art carpets inspired by legendary modern artists. Use low-impact designs and light colored carpets to make rooms appear larger, or select bold, dark colors and intensive patterns to create a cozy, inviting effect. Great possibilities come from amazing rugs. Carpets really do make the room.
Middle Eastern literature is replete with stories of magic carpets that fly into fantasy and take their passengers to exotic worlds. In truth, that is exactly what an original Persian rug does, for although you may not think that it flies, the beauty of these rugs is that they were made to be a floor tapestry woven to transport the owner into a world of gardens, flowers, cedars, and flowing paradise waters.
The issue of forgery is always a question when it comes to antiquities of all types. History is full of people being duped by some complex and quite realistic looking forgeries. In one case during the 1930’s, a man once claimed to have a piece of silver created on Paul Revere’s forge. As it turned out, this piece, along with much of the collection, was not actually silver but was aluminum alloy.
Every year, throughout May and June, the streets of Italian towns transform into beautiful, colorful pageants of flowers. The “infiorata” festival means “decorated with flowers,” and it is during this time that you can explore exquisite works of art created by only what Mother Nature provides. The streets are carpeted with flower petals in displays of incredible artistry.
The beauty of Greek and Armenian carpets was so notable that even explorer Marco Polo referred to them in his writing. His travels through Armenia in the 13th century led to an account of the talents of the Greeks and Armenians who he described as ” living in cities and in permanent settlements and earning their livelihood from commerce and trade.” He stated that these locations were where they made “the best and most beautiful carpets”. His description stood out, as the traveler only listed three classes of people in Armenia. The third class (the Turkomans) he described much less favorably, choosing to call them crude and uneducated and living in virtually inaccessible places.
Throughout history, certain events left their mark on the development of the carpet industry and design. The spread of Islam and the advent of Islamic art and the Islamic carpets is one of those events that contributed to the beautiful patterns and colors that we enjoy today. Persian carpet design in particular was greatly influenced by Islamic traditions.
The City of Doha, Qatar, is a modern and beautiful city rising from the desert sands surrounding the Persian Gulf. It is also home to one of the biggest and most important antique Persian rug and Oriental carpet collections in the world. The collection of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha Qatar is housed in a beautifully designed, modern building with breathtaking architecture.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the preeminent museum of art and design. It is also home to one of the most extensive historical carpet collections in the world. The collection houses some exquisite pieces, including examples of some of the oldest rugs in the world. The V&A museum collection presents rare carpets from many regions of the world, but its most significant group is its 1,170 carpets from the Middle East and North Africa. This collection is a real treat that brings in visitors from around the globe.
If you are planning a trip to Istanbul Turkey and you love antique Oriental carpets, the Topkapi Palace Museum has a collection that you do not want to miss. A visit to the collection of antique rugs at Topkapi Palace Museum is like stepping back in time. It has one of the most extensive collections of textiles and carpets in the world. The museum houses some of the finest examples of Ottoman Empire textile art dating from the second half of the fifteenth century to the early 20th century.
When you are visiting New York City as a lover of antique rugs, there are two places that you should put on your list. The first is our beautiful collection at the Nazmiyal Collection gallery, and the second is the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of 17th century rugs and early carpets in the world, and these magnificent pieces will make a lasting impression.