Antique Oriental rugs, by simple definition, area rugs which were created over 80 years ago and that were produced in Asia. This term can also refer to the specific type of oriental patterns as well. These beautiful patterns vary tremendously and can be floral, geometric, refined and intricate or open and large scale. Colors also will vary from the bold and rich to the subdued and neutral. Though the designs of these rugs diverge depending on the specific region of Asia from where they originated, as a group, Oriental rugs represent over two thousand years of artistic evolution and can contain motifs that date as far back as 500 BC.
Oriental rugs:
Oriental Rugs are classified by their region of origin – Asia. This would include countries like Persian, Indian, Chinese and so forth. They are commonly made in “Eastern” styles that were made popular by Islam’s cultural golden age. Echoing depictions of nature and the weavers surroundings for more stylized patterns and representations.
Because antique Oriental rugs are made by hand, no two carpets are exactly alike. Features such as abrashes (color shifts present in the rug due to changes in the dye lots) can distinguish two otherwise seemingly identical carpets. While these traits can be replicated to some degree in modern or machine-made rugs, they can never achieve the same patina and charm as an original.
For hundreds of years, Oriental rugs have been a staple of class and culture. They became popular in Europe and the East thanks to the Silk Road. Items from as far as China spread to the West through the hands of Asian and Islamic traders and they quickly developed into cultural centerpieces. Aristocrats throughout Europe (such as Henry VIII and the 17th century Polish royalty) are known to have been big rug collectors. The history of these beautiful pieces in Europe is well documented in written records as well as other artistic relics like the paintings of Hans Holbein. In modern times, antique Oriental rugs are still collected and used for their decorative and investment significance.
One of the most famous collectors of modern times is Sigmund Freud. Freud is known to have draped smaller Oriental rugs on his coach at all times.
Interior designers and architects frequently use antique rugs for modern spaces. The aged dyes of these weavings are unmatchable and blend seamlessly with modern decor. Rugs are typically the first design element to be picked when decorating. They are, be default, a keystone for the space’s decorative schema. These pieces are not simply meant for beautification.
Since good pieces retain their value over time they are considered investments as well. In a recent auction at Christie’s London, an antique rug broke all previous records for any textile sold at auction bringing nearly $10 million.
Antique oriental rugs can be simply defined as weavings from Asia. With that said, their artistic essence is much more complex. Spanning hundreds of years these pieces have been used for both practical floor and decorative wall hangings. Their intrinsic value makes them ideal investments and their rich history give them a ton of collectible appeal.
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