The Artisanship of Antique Rugs

Like the complex patterns on the antique rugs themselves, each culture and subculture within a specific geographical region is influenced by the older cultures. Even imitations at some point present their imperfections as unique attributes that can be traced to the style of the weavers. Thus, in a sense, there really are no imitations except for occasions when an imitation tries to present itself as the actual paradigm.

The reason for the existence of imitations primarily hinge on commercial motivations more than anything else. Relatively older cultures and subcultures dominate the rug market not only for the richness of the patterns and designs, but of the age of their culture and hence, style.

The general assumption is that older subcultures have older styles and have reached a level of perfection intrinsic to their particular way of weaving.

Hence, that's the reason why there's a premium on antique rugs that originate from the oldest of sub cultures.That's also the reason why rug nomenclature primarily derives its identity from the name of the tribe or ethnic group of the weavers.

Persian, Afshar, Kurd, Chinese, Bakhtiari and hundreds of others comprise the vast universe of rug making subcultures. One can also appreciate the distinct character of the rug from the character of the ethnic group that made it.

Not all cultures have the same way of life. Some that exist today are nomadic, some have long settled and become agricultural communities and some have even industrialized.

The amazing thing is that despite industrialization, many of these cultures still manage to perfect their trade and preserve their heritage through weaving.

Culture or the way an ethnic group preserves or maintains its way of life is heavily expressed by an antique oriental carpet. For example, nomadic tribes tend to weave rugs that are sturdier and rough because of the need for a durable surface.

Religion also plays a dominant role where the focus is always the center. Every design on a religiously influenced rug would defer and capitulate to the center. In Islam for example, Mecca is the center of everything, and everything revolves around it.

The culture directly influences the pricing of antique Persian rugs as older cultures tend to manifest the perfection of their craft through their weaving.

Sometimes, the artisans can even include their own signature on the rug through cryptic means via curves and patterns.

Time also plays an essential role in rug design as celestial bodies figure in particular locations given a specific time frame.

It would take several dissertations to delve deep into all the cultural aspects that play a role in the creation of rugs. There is practically no limit to the amount of things that can be portrayed through the weavings.

That's also precisely what makes them intriguing and alluring. It's not just about the art, the culture, the religion and all the influences that play a role in rug making, it's also about the experience.

Ultimately, among all the factors that play a role in the design of rug making, experience is the one that makes them special. When it comes to antique rugs, the experience that it bears witness to, is priceless. In this manner, visiting an antique rug gallery is similar to visiting a museum.

If you want to see a virtual antique rug gallery and browse over the finest antique Persian rugs that are being sold, visit antiquerugs.org.