Silk Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 4x9 runner rug is a fabulous new design in the Modern Classics Collection by Rug & Kilim. Its design is inspired by those seen in the rare and uni...

Silk Antique Uzbek Suzani Embroidery Textile, Country of Origin: Uzbekistan, Circa Date: 1870. Size: 6 ft 7 in x 7 ft 9 in (2.01 m x 2.36 m)

Contemporary north star blue and grey hand knotted silk rug by Doris Leslie Blau. Size: 6.4" × 9.0" (193 × 274 cm). This outstanding Everest Mid-Century Modern rug will surely impres...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 8x10 modern rug is from the pile line of the Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. Its design represents a contemporary approach to Rollakan...

This 9x12 Swedish style kilim is from the Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in silk, this flatweave represents a reimagining of Swedish Deco Rollakans and Rya rug...

This 8x10 Swedish style kilim joins the new "Watson yarn" flatweaves in Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian rug collection. Handwoven in silk, this piece represents a bold new high-end take o...

Handwoven in banana silk, Rug & Kilim presents an 8x10 Swedish flat weave inspiration from their award-winning Scandinavian Collection with a texture second to none, enjoying a geome...

This contemporary 10x14 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

This contemporary 12x15 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand-knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

This contemporary 10x14 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

Recapturing acclaimed mid-century modern style, this Swedish Style Kilim Rug - 9'5" x 11'11" features a bold geometric pattern in coastal cool blues with subtle grey accents. Handwoven from a blend of wool and silk, this minimalist Scandinavian Deco geometric rug...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 9x12 Scandinavian rug is from our “High” line, named for its high-low texture married to the geometric patterns. On the design: Keen eyes will...

This flatweave wool & silk rug features a chic contemporary Swedish design with a beige field color. It has a unique geometric pattern throughout the rug in light blue shades. This...

Hand-knotted in wool and sari silk, this 5x8 Scandinavian rug has been inspired from the playful retro look—has more of a late-70s Scandinavian Rya look to its inspiration. On the ...

Hand-knotted in wool and sari silk, this 9x12 Scandinavian rug is from our “High” line, named for its high-low texture married to the geometric patterns. On the design: This allu...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 9x12 rug is from the “High” line of Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian rug collection, named for its high-low texture married to the geometric patterns in...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 10x14 rug is from the “High” line of Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian rug collection, named for its high-low texture married to the geometric patterns i...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 10x14 Scandinavian rug in beige, gray and gold, features geometric patterns inspired by the Swedish Minimali...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 8x10 Scandinavian rug features geometric chevron patterns in the border and an open field within. On the design: Admirers of the craft may ad...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 8x10 rug belongs to Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian collection. On the design: Admirers of the craft may admire the thought of Swedish minimalism...

Hand-knotted in wool, sari silk and jute blend with other undyed, natural yarns in our proprietary construction, this 8x10 Scandinavian rug features polychromatic geometric patterns ...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 9x12 rug belongs to Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian collection. On the design: Admirers of the craft may admire the thought of Swedish minimalism...

This rug design represents the Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim—a modern take on the Swedish Deco style of Rollakan and Rya rugs. On the Design: These photos represent an 8x...

This rug design represents the Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim—a modern take on the Swedish Deco style of Rollakan and Rya rugs. On the Design: These photos represent a 9x1...

This Swedish style 9×12 kilim rug joins the new “Watson yarn” line of Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian Collection. Further On the Design: This rug is the first major repre...

This Swedish style 8x10 rug is a bold new texture in Rug & Kilim's award-winning Scandinavian rug collection. Hand-knotted in wool and silk. Further on the design: This rug enjoys ...

Needlepoint rugs were created using the traditional needlework weaving technique that is used to make everyday items from furniture to carpets and artwork. However, it has a fascinating history both as a hobby and as an industry. When many people think of carpets, they think of pile carpets or flat weave kilims, but needlepoint has also been used to create beautiful carpets. These carpets are durable and an important part of carpet history. Archaeologists and scholars consider the roots of needlepoint to have been around 1500 BC. They consider the first needlepoint to include the fine diagonal stitches that were used to sew tents together by the ancient Egyptians. The art eventually evolved into tapestry weaving. However, a tapestry weaving differs significantly from needlepoint in that it uses a loom and vertical warp. Tapestry weaving is closer to the weaving of kilims and pile rugs than canvas work. However, some still include tapestry weaving in the category of needlepoint because of the fine work that appeared during the late Renaissance. It can have a similar appearance to the untrained eye. Technically, tapestry weaving and needlepoint are not the same, and they do not use the same technique. The first actual needlepoint rugs and needle-points began to appear in the late Renaissance. Needlepoint is worked by creating stitches on a stiff canvas. The canvas is typically made from jute or linen and is quite durable. Pieces from the Renaissance were used to cover footstools, chairs, pillows, bed headboards, and other furnishings. They were also used as table coverings and wall coverings. You could also find them on many small items such as purses, shoes, and various adornments for clothing. During the Renaissance, the craft reached a high level of skill, and the designs became incredibly detailed and realistic. They mimicked many of the subjects and styles of famous paintings of the time. They created florals, still life designs, scenes, and geometric tiled pieces. Some of them mimicked the designs found in Persian Carpets. Needlepoint reached its peak popularity in the 19th century when it was considered a proper occupation for a lady. Needlepoint and embroidery held a similar place in societal status at the time. During this time, the work became finer, with some of the canvas reaching a high level of detail. The level of detail is determined by counting the number of mesh in an inch. During this time petit point by French needlewomen could have a mesh count as high as 45 mesh. This allowed women to create highly intricate designs with incredible levels of detail. It is possible to find many antique pieces of needlepoint besides rugs. Needlepoint rugs were popular in France and Spain, where the technique was adapted to create highly intricate designs that mimicked the designs in architecture and fashion. They were popular because they were durable, and it could be fashioned into a variety of items. The canvases themselves were durable, and the wool that they used was also strong, which means that many of the pieces were able to withstand daily use. We have many artifacts that have survived from this time period. Needlepoint rugs are important collectibles because they are different from the pile rugs and kilims that are typically found on the market. Needlepoint carpets are special because they take many hours to create, especially larger works. Needlepoint pieces of any type became popular throughout Europe during the 19th century. It is still a popular hobby today, but perhaps one of the most interesting stories is that of the Portuguese needlewomen of Arraiolos. The story of these women and their beautiful carpets begins in 1492. Needlepoint was a popular occupation in Spain, which had a large population of Moors and Jews. They were an integral part of Spanish culture. However, in 1492, Queen Isabella of Spain issued a proclamation that gave these ethnic groups the order to pack their bags and board ships headed...

Salor rug, floor covering handmade by the Salor Turkmen of Turkmenistan. Most consistent in design are the main carpets, with a quartered gul (motif) showing...

A Kashmir rug is a hand-knotted oriental rug from Kashmir valley in India, which is associated with Kashmiri handicrafts. Kashmir rugs or carpets have intricate designs that are prim...

Soumak rugs (also spelled Sumak) – This construction technique produces a flat-weave rug that is thick, strong and exceptionally durable. Unlike kilims, Soumak rugs are not reversible because non-clipped yarns are left on the back. However, they are also stronger than kilims. Antique Soumak carpets are unique because the wefts are used to produce decorative patterns rather than as a structural element. Antique Soumak rugs are generally very finely woven and feature richly detailed motifs. Traditionally, these spectacular flat-weave carpets are decorated with ancient symbols, tiny birds and geometric animals. Many of these geometric patterns and tribal symbols are associated with the Shahsavan tribe. In the 17th century, these influential warriors served as the personal bodyguards to Shah Abbas according to historic legends. The Shahsavan, who used Soumak weaving techniques widely, inhabited modern-day Azerbaijan and parts of Northwest Persia near Ardabil. Because Soumak rugs were woven in various carpet producing regions, the designs they feature are exceptionally diverse. Although they are fairly rare compared to pile carpets and traditional kilims, antique Soumak rugs feature grand medallions, finely executed repeating patterns, Persian garden designs and tribal motifs that are surrounded by multiple sets of richly detailed borders. Antique Soumak rugs make outstanding floor coverings, but the technique was also used to construct bags, trappings, saddle covers, decorative bed spreads and functional household items. Like other regional handicrafts, antique Soumak rugs are highly decorative and diverse textile pieces that flatter modern furnishings and soften minimalist interiors very well. Soumak or Sumak is a type of brocading or flat-woven pile. Thicker than a kilim carpet, it is accomplished by looping the yarn horizontally around successive pairs of warps in between passes of over-under wefting. When compressed vertically with a weaver’s comb, the resultant texture looks like cabling rising slightly from the surface of the rug. Soumak is named for the village of Shemaka in the Caucasus where this technique was widely practiced, but it certainly was not invented there. Soumak has been practiced extensively across the antique rug producing world, from Central Asia to Iran, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Antique Soumak Weave Techniques: Soumak Weave – The art of fine rug weaving and making is ancient and complex. Over the centuries, a myriad of disparate cultures, from every corner of the globe, have developed methods of creating tight, long-lasting weaves, such as rugs, carpets, and kilims. As such, there is no singular, universal method for creating a fine weave; rather, there are several different, totally distinctive weaving techniques. These techniques and approaches have been developed over time and that are unique to the area, tribe and or people. One specific example of a type of weave that was developed and is still used to this day is the Soumak weave. The widespread adaptation of the Soumak weave by such a wide range of different rug-producing cultures is certainly a rather strong testament to the quality and “reproducibility” of the process — cornerstones of any long-lasted artistic technique. One of the most familiar types of antique weaving from the Caucasus region is the Soumak. These were produced in a wide array of designs, but generally they are typified by a crisp, precise drawing applied to highly abstract or stylized geometric patterns, using a rich and varied palette. In technical terms, Soumaks are flatwoven rugs. Their technique is related to that of kilims, but it is somewhat more complex, thicker in handle, and more durable as floor covering. As opposed to Kilim technique which consists of compacted weft facing simply running over and under the vertical wraps, Soumak weave runs the yarns around the warps in a serpentine pattern, over two, back one, over two back one, and so forth. The rows of this yarn facing or brocading are then separated by wefts like the rows of knots in pile carpets. The origin of this technique is hard to pinpoint, but it is attested literally from one end of the rug-producing world to the other. The term Soumak is apparently a corruption of the name Shemaka, a town in the Shirvan region of the Caucasus, where such rugs, it is often claimed, were made. However Soumaks were made in various areas of the Caucasus and the region north of Kuba seems to have been a major center of their production. Caucasian Soumaks have a very interesting design repertory, with a number of distinct types or groups. From the perspective of carpet history, the most interesting group is the one that utilizes field designs of large polygonal medallions, often in the shape of diamonds or stars. These tend to be modeled on early Turkish pile carpets, especially those of the so-called “small pattern Holbein” and “large pattern Holbein” types produced in Western Turkey during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A key feature of the Holbein rugs is the use of small squares with horn-like hooked pairs as fillers in the indentations along the edge of the main medallions. Caucasian Soumaks of this type reproduce even these details with remarkable consistency and fidelity. The various smaller motifs used as space fillers seem to come from the common tribal repertory behind most Caucasian and Turkish rugs. The borders of Caucasian Soumaks tend to be made up of small geometric medallions or stylized rosettes, although they can be surprising, as on the example shown here which is adapted from kilim designs. A second major group of Caucasian Soumaks have allover field designs made up of smaller medallions arranged closely in staggered repetition. Some of these which have multi-pointed star-like configuration (the so-called Crivelli-Star) also come from the repertory of early Turkish rugs. But the oval medallions with undulating edges are floral palmettes of classical Persian derivation. Despite the varied origins of the design elements, the Soumaks of this group still convey considerable stylistic homogeneity or integrity. The borders of this second group are much the same as those of the first, although the example shown here has a highly unusual border that derives once again from early Turkish rugs. A third group of Caucasian Soumaks stems from more local traditions. Known as “Dragon Soumaks...

This 8x10 Swedish style kilim joins the new "Watson yarn" flatweaves in Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian rug collection. Handwoven in silk, this piece represents a bold new high-end take o...

Hand-knotted in wool and silk, this 8x10 modern rug is from the pile line of the Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. Its design represents a contemporary approach to Rollakan...

This 9x12 Swedish style kilim is from the Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in silk, this flatweave represents a reimagining of Swedish Deco Rollakans and Rya rug...

This custom rug design is from the award-winning Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. On the Design: These photos represent a recently sold 8x10 rug from this collection, ...

A smart 9x12 Swedish style rug from our award-winning Scandinavian collection. The constitution of the rug enjoys a durable blend of handknotted wool, silk & jute. On the Design: ...

This custom rug design represents the Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim—a modern take on the Swedish Deco style of Rollakan and Rya rugs. On the Design: These photos represen...

hand knotted in silk, from Rug & Kilim’s acclaimed Scandinavian rug collection reimagining the celebrated Mid-Century Modern style. This piece enjoys an experimental take on the Swedish Deco geometric pattern in luscious gray, blue and gold with striations lending distinction and movement. The natural sheen of the luxe silk, subtlety of colorway gradiance, and refreshing presence of the rug are among the finest in our lines. Further carrying the signature strength and buckle resistance of our collection, a 9x12 carpet...

This contemporary 12x15 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand-knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

This contemporary 10x14 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

This 9x12 Swedish style kilim is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in silk, its design reflects a contemporar...

A smart 8x12 Swedish style Kilim from our award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection. Handwoven in silk for an exciting new take in this line. On the Design: This rug enjoys g...

This contemporary 10x14 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

This contemporary 8x10 rug is an exciting new addition to the award-winning Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand-knotted in a proprietary blend of wool and silk, its constru...

The AWAKENING collection rugs are individual expressions, reflecting their unique craftsmanship and design. Handknotted in naturally colored yarns create a conscious and harmonious c...

Rugs can serve as a conscious element in home decor! The AWAKENING collection includes 12 unique hand-knotted rugs and woven elements. Highlights the importance of being mindful by ...

The AWAKENING collection rugs are individual expressions, reflecting their unique craftsmanship and design. Handknotted in naturally colored yarns create a conscious and harmonious c...

The rugs in the AWAKENING collection have their unique expression. Hand knotted in a conscious and harmonious embrace with natural coloured yarns at Anna Charlotte Atelier...

In the INDIGO MOOD collection, Anna Charlotte Atelier highlights the herbal colour richness and natural path to colouring. Hand-knotted wool, a...

Contemporary oversized Pacific Pebbles silk and wool rug by Doris Leslie Blau Size: 15'0" × 25'0" (457 × 762 cm). This oversized contemporary area rug has something that many other...

This Swedish style 9×12 kilim rug joins the new “Watson yarn” line of Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian Collection. Further On the Design: This rug is the first major repre...

A Swedish style custom kilim from Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection. Handwoven in wool with silk and cotton accents. Further on the design: This rug e...

This is a small antique silk Chinese textile woven during the beginning of the 20th century circa 1900 and measures 50 x 47CM in size. Its design is centered around a man that is hol...

Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Swedish carpets, this kilim is part of our contemporary collection of textured flat weaves where the material is employed in such a way as to create a ...

This Swedish style 8x10 rug is a bold new texture in Rug & Kilim's award-winning Scandinavian rug collection. Hand-knotted in wool and silk. Further on the design: This rug enjoy...

Hand-knotted in silk, from Rug & Kilim’s acclaimed Scandinavian rug collection reimagining the celebrated Mid-Century Modern style. This piece enjoys an experimental take on the Swedish Deco geometric pattern in luscious gray, blue and gold with striations lending distinction and movement. The natural sheen of the luxe silk, subtlety of colorway gradiance, and refreshing presence of the rug are among the finest in our lines. Further carrying the signature strength and buckle resistance of our collection, a 9x12 carpet...

Magnificently artistic blue color square size silk and wool Garo Antreasian art rug, country of origin / rug type: Indian rugs, date circa 1970. Size: 5 ft 7 in x 6 ft (1.7 m x 1.83 ...

Handwoven in banana silk, Rug & Kilim presents an 8x10 Swedish flat weave inspiration with a texture second to none, enjoying a geometric diamond pattern with a tiny flower bud like ...

Rug & Kilim boasts its exemplary take on texture in Scandinavian style with this 9x12 flat weave—from the latest “Watson” texture of the award-winning collection. Handwoven in banana...