The Tradition of Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs are not simply one type of rug. The term is actually an umbrella used to refer to a number of carpets made in the East, including parts of Turkey, China, and Iran. While Oriental rugs vary from region to region, they are all symbolized by a intricate designs, deep colors, and quality materials.

According to historians, Oriental rugs were made out of the finest available materials because of another cultural tradition. In Eastern cultures, visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering a home. That meant the carpets in the home had to be of the highest quality so they would feel luxurious on the visitors' feet. However, even before Oriental rugs touched the tender soles of the feet, they were designed not as rugs at all but as tapestries to adorn the walls of special buildings and religious structures.

But the carpet-weaving skills of these cultures may date back even further. After examining some examples of Oriental rugs, historians have drawn comparisons between the weaving of the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians. This would mean that their skills would date back to almost the beginning of civilization.

Before the 12th century, Oriental rugs were already becoming popular with European nobility. They recognized the beauty of these rugs – the same beauty still found in modern Oriental rugs – and wanted to use them to decorate their environments. In fact, Middle Eastern weavers who were moving into Spain, brought their looms and their techniques with them. Thus, Spain became a center for the production of Oriental rugs. A few centuries later, Turkish looms were established in France to further supply royalty with the Oriental rugs they desired.

With modern techniques, Oriental rugs in all of their various styles can now be produced using machinery. As a result, they are no longer limited to the homes of the wealthy and powerful. Despite their more reasonable price, Oriental rugs are still a mark of beauty and sophistication.

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