Israeli Bezalel Rugs from the Bezalel School of Art in Jerusalem
Bezalel Rugs and Carpets were produced in the early to mid-twentieth century as part of a new art school for Jewish immigrants in what was then British-ruled Palestine. Founded by Boris Schatz from Bulgaria in conjunction with Zionist pioneer Theodore Herzl, the Jerusalem workshop and art school were established creative and supportive place for Jewish artists.
These, now Israeli artists, were motivated to mesh their European artistic approached and traditions with their now more Oriental or middle eastern homeland. True to this inspiration, the Bezalel rug workshop drew upon a wide range of Oriental rug designs, while often exploring folk art traditions from the west as well, but always adhering to a high artistic and technical standard.
What are Bezalel Rugs?
Bezalel rugs are high-quality, hand-woven carpets that originate from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Israel. The Bezalel Academy, founded in 1906 by Boris Schatz, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world, and it played a significant role in the development of the arts and crafts movement in Israel.
The Bezalel rugs are known for their unique designs, often inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and Jewish motifs. They are meticulously crafted using various weaving techniques, and the materials used can include wool, silk, or a combination of both. The rugs are not only appreciated for their artistic value but also for their cultural and historical significance.
Over the years, Bezalel rugs have become collectors’ items, sought after for their craftsmanship, artistic appeal, and the historical connection to the early days of the Bezalel Academy. The designs often reflect a fusion of traditional elements with modern artistic influences, making them distinctive and highly prized in the world of handmade carpets.
What makes Bezalel rugs so special?
Bezalel rugs are considered special for several reasons:
Artistic Design: Bezalel rugs often feature unique and intricate designs that draw inspiration from Middle Eastern and Jewish cultural motifs. The designs are carefully crafted to reflect a blend of traditional and modern influences, making each rug a work of art.
Handcrafted Quality: These rugs are meticulously hand-woven using traditional weaving techniques. The artisans at Bezalel Academy focus on craftsmanship and pay attention to detail, resulting in high-quality rugs with a superior level of artistry and skill.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, where these rugs originated, has a rich history. It was founded in 1906 in Jerusalem and played a pivotal role in the development of the arts and crafts movement in Israel. Bezalel rugs, therefore, carry cultural and historical significance, representing a connection to the early days of the academy.
Materials Used: Bezalel rugs are crafted using high-quality materials such as wool, and even silk, or a combination of both. The choice of materials contributes to the rugs’ durability, texture, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Collectability: Due to their limited production and artistic value, Bezalel rugs have become sought-after collector’s items. Their scarcity and the fact that they are often handcrafted by skilled artisans add to their desirability among collectors of fine carpets.
Symbolism and Meaning: Many Bezalel rug designs incorporate symbolism and meaning, drawing from historical, religious, or cultural themes. This adds layers of significance to the rugs beyond their visual appeal, making them meaningful and thought-provoking.
In summary, the combination of artistic design, handcrafted quality, cultural and historical ties, high-quality materials, collectability, and symbolic elements all contribute to making Bezalel rugs special and highly prized in the world of handmade carpets.
The Bezalel Art School in Jerusalem Israel
The Bezalel art school was established in 1906 by Latvian sculptor Boris Schatz in conjunction with the Zionist pioneer Theodor Herzl, and it is still in operation to this day.
Archival Image Of Bezalel School Of Art In Jerusalem Israel 1906
“Bezalel” was the biblical name of the “Artist” who designed the Ark and the sanctuary built by Israelites following the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
Archival Image of Boris Schatz
Schatz later wrote of his meeting with the iconic Herzl :
“And after I had finished speaking and wondered with beating heart: What answer will he give me? ‘Good, we shall do that,’ he said quietly and resolutely. And after a brief pause he asked: ‘What name will you give to your school?’ ‘Bezalel,’ I answered, ‘after the name of the first Jewish artist who once built us a temple in the wilderness.’”
(Schatz, Boris, “The Bezalel Institute,” in Israel Cohen (ed), Zionist Work in Palestine: London & Leipzig, 1911, p. 64.)
Archival Image of Theodor Herzel – “The Father Of The Zionist Movement”
The purpose of the Bezalel art school and workshop was to provide a unique educational institution, in what was then British-ruled Palestine, for those Jewish students who had recently immigrated to Palestine and wanted a means to express outstanding and distinctively Jewish art.
The rug weaving program, though small in the number of participating art students, resulted in the creation of what many have come to see as some of the most beautiful and artistic rugs to have been created.
Jewish artists do not normally come to mind when thinking of antique Oriental rugs, however that is exactly who made Bezalel rugs. These carpets were woven at the Bezalel Academy which operated from 1906 to 1929 in British-ruled Palestine. The Jewish arts-and-crafts movement inspired a wide range of unique rugs, often with religious themes.
Bezalel rugs woven in Israel often have Holy Land themes and display a blend of Jewish, Persian, Turkish and European styles. The construction and warm color pallet of Bezalel rugs resemble many Anatolian Rugs of the Ottoman Dynasty.
The school encouraged Jewish artists to draw motivation from their European customs while including influences from their Oriental motherland to create quality pieces of art. The result was a large body of work including paintings, wood and metal works, etchings and carpets with a distinctly Jewish flair.
The carpets were created by Jewish artists at the school or its workshop in Jerusalem with high technical and artistic standards. The Bezalel rug workshop employed a variety of Oriental designs and often found inspiration in western folk art traditions. The rug weaving workshop was called Marbediah. The name was derived from the Hebrew word “Marvard” which basically means “carpet”. These antique rugs are inscribed either Bezalel or Marvadiah.
Interior Decorating with Bezalel Carpets
Bezalel carpets are among the most beautiful and sought after of all antique carpet styles. Bezalel carpets have been woven in modern-day Israel since the early years of the twentieth century, and the story behind what makes Bezalel rugs so special is fascinating – and even unique. Prior to the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948, the Palestinian Mandate was governed by the British Empire.
It was here that the Bezalel Academy was established. The Bezalel Academy was founded as an art school for Jewish immigrants who were living in the Palestinian Mandate.
The Academy and its workshop in Jerusalem were intended to provide an artistic outlet for Jewish artists, and to encourage them to fuse their European traditions with those of their Oriental homeland. As a result, the weavers at the Bezalel Academy would craft a new aesthetic, creating a brand new style of Oriental carpets in the process.
The Bezalel style, with its blending of tradition and modernity, remains among the most admired of all Oriental rug styles. And while there is no single rule that underpins the Bezalel style, there are certain qualities and characteristics that occur more frequently. For instance, Bezalel rugs woven in Israel will often feature religious elements, as well as artistic depictions of the Holy Land.
This beautiful interior, designed by Lori Morris, beautifully utilizes a stunning Bezalel in a modern setting. Decorating with Bezalel rugs offers up an exciting array of opportunities, as well as a unique set of challenges.
Perhaps the most accommodating aspect of the Bezalel style is its nature as both an Eastern and Western inspired style. Bezalel rugs from Israel offer collectors and admirers of antique Oriental rugs an opportunity to own something not only beautiful, but culturally significant.
Learn More About Decorating with Antique Bezalel Rugs
Decorating your home with antique Bezalel rugs is a unique experience, mostly because Bezalel rugs themselves are unique.
Indeed, the history of antique Bezalel rugs and carpets is among the most interesting of histories of fine rug styles. The story begins during the early years of the twentieth century, in what was, at that time, the Palestinian Mandate.
The Mandate, which was governed as part of the British Empire, consisted of the territory that was destined to become the modern State of Israel. The two most important figures to feature in the story of the emergence of the Bezalel style of rug-making are Boris Schatz and Zionist pioneer Theodore Herzl, who founded the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem.
The academy was founded as an art school for Jewish immigrants living in the Palestinian Mandate: the academy and its workshop in Jerusalem were intended to provide an artistic outlet for Jewish artists, and to encourage them to fuse their European traditions with those of their Oriental homeland.
Decorating with Bezalel Carpets – Interiors by Lori Morris
The distinct Bezalel style of rug making that resulted from this fusion of cultures remains among the most beautiful and the most collectible of all Oriental rug styles.
Bezalel rugs woven in Israel often feature religious elements, as well as artistic depictions of the Holy Land. Because of their unique genesis, the antique Bezalel rugs are certainly among the most distinct and most interesting rugs available.
Decorating with antique Bezalel rugs offers up an exciting array of opportunities, as well as a unique set of challenges. Perhaps the most accommodating aspect of the Bezalel style is its nature as both an Eastern and Western inspired style.
This coming-together of what would otherwise potentially be disparate design elements creates what is instead a harmonious and versatile style that can bring unparalleled beauty into any home.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
