Rugs and Carpets

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...

Design Danish Rya rug from the 1970s, 90,5 x 67 inches ( this one is a big size). Made in Denmark. Missing label. Abstract autumn swirling design with tan, brown, and cream hues. G...

Early-18th Century Antique Prayer Turkish Rug 4'6'' X 3'3'', From 1800s, wool on wool foundation super vintage and unique.

:: Allover covered field in multi-paneled design outlines bearing minor finned contour and interior double arrowed floral blossoms. Colors and shades include: Antique ivory, silver, ...

Heriz is a town in northwest Persia (Iran) that has been producing carpets since the 19th century. It is located on Mt. Sabalan, a major source of copper, whose summit is 15,784 feet...

Antique Oversize Turkish Oushak Rug 19'0'' X 15'0'', Wool rug on a wool foundation.

Early 19th Century Antique Dragon Design Chinese Rug 11'9'' X 7'3'', Handmade and Hand-knotted with dragon design Y & B B

Vintage Art Deco Rug Handmade Chinese Rug Pink Wool Carpet 269cm x 351cm 8'10" x 11'6" 9x12 "This is a very unique vintage Art Deco rug with a magnificent pink colorway and unique f...

This vintage tribal flatweave rug was handmade in Turkey. The Mid-Century Modern Collection is skillfully sourced by N A S I R I and exclusive to our showroom. These flatweaves embod...

This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...

Antique Chinese Kangxi Carpet Fragment Rug, 17th Century Additional information: Dimensions: 3'10" W x 5'3" L Origin: China Period: 17th Century (2nd...

This Antique Turkaman Trival rug is a fine example of a piece that stands out for its rare element panels, vibrant red background color, and fine weave. The vintage rugs in our colle...

Antique Ottoman Embroidery Rug, c. 1800 The rich and diverse weaving tradition of the Ottoman Empire is well known. Anatolian carpet weaving can be tr...

The Qashqai rugs are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and unifying spirit of a proud tribal confederation. These pastoral nomads, who trace their lineage to the Turkmen and ...

The Haji Jalili Tabriz rug is undeniably a work of art in Persian rug making. The intricate designs and lavish color palettes speak volumes about the unparalleled quality and scrupul...

The Qashqai rugs are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and unifying spirit of a proud tribal confederation. These pastoral nomads, who trace their lineage to the Turkmen and ...

This antique Khotan rug from East Turkistan is truly stunning. It's clear that a lot of care and attention went into its creation around 1900, and the circular three medallions with ...

Antique Uzbek Kermina Suzani Textile, c. 1800 Additional Information: Dimensions: 6'0" W x 8'5" L Origin: Uzbekistan Period: c. 1800 Rug ID: 15018

Ladik Prayer Rug, circa 1800 Ladik prayer rugs from Central Anatolia are known for their distinctive depressed warp weave and repertoire of design combined with prized Anatolian sat...

This vintage tribal flatweave rug was handmade in Turkey. The Mid-Century Modern Collection is skillfully sourced by N A S I R I and exclusive to our showroom. These flatweaves embod...

Ningxia Pillar Rug, 2nd Half 18th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'3" W x 13'4" L Condition: Cut and rejoined in two places. Slight lo...

Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...

Rug Number 12796 Size 7' 6" X 11' 4" Design High Atlas Collection Atlas Material Wool Texture Pile Weave Origin Morocco Age Antique/Vintage

Rug Number 25386 Size 1' 5" X 3' 2" Design Yastik Collection Antique/Vintage Material Wool Texture Pile Weave Origin Turkey Age Antique/Vintage

Antique Uzbek Suzani Embroidery, c. 1800 Blending naturalism with ethereal fantasy, this spectacular embroidery or ‘suzani‘ from Central Asia conveys an aesthetic consistent with older examples of the genre. Certain features, most notably the vine-scroll, are reminiscent of the Samarkand school, while the drawing of the blossoms seems more prevalent in the repertoire of neighboring Shahrisabz. Indeed, this piece may in fact be a common ancestor to both. Splendid palmettes with flame-like tracery and bold swirling star-centered blossoms alternate within the border. Vegetal scroll meanders throughout—drawn with several shades of green conveying, if not a sense of shadowing, definite and deliberate tonalities of light and dark. The central hourglass form, idiosyncrasies of drawing, and arrangement of blossoms in the field imbue a sense of classicism rivaling and surpassing older Ottoman and Persian models. Embroidery Rug...

This vintage tribal flatweave rug was handmade in Turkey. The Mid-Century Modern Collection is skillfully sourced by N A S I R I and exclusive to our showroom. These flatweaves embod...

- good original condition with minor signs of use.

Rare 18th century Tapestry handwoven Wool & Silk Flemish Tapestry 4x9. 102cm x 265cm "This is a very fine authentic antique Flemish tapestry made of Wool & Silk, depicting a h...

This authentic Persian round hand-made Nain 9 LAA has high quality wool and silk pile with cotton foundation, which silk highlights the detail in the design and it has signed by Habi...

Antique Indo-Isfahan Long Rug, 17th Century Throughout the 17th century, Persian modes and models played a vital role in the development of the arts in India. Persian artists, craft...

This Deccan embroidery is embroidered in silk and metallic thread. They were mainly used as festive and ceremonial floor coverings . It is in rather good condition for it age. A coll...

Large wool tapestry by Renata Bonfanti. Remarkable combination of shapes and color shades

Vintage Farahan Rug Geometric Art Nouveau Rug Handmade Gold 10' x 12'10" 10x13 305cm x 392cm "This is an exquisite vintage Farahan rug- Bold g...

Vintage Moroccan Rug Geometric Unique 12x15 Rare 11'10" x 14'8" 12 x 15 361cm x 447cm "This is a rare, museum quality vintage modernistic Moroccan rug. This piece has a unique diam...

Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Arts & Crafts Brown 8'6" x 11'8" 259cm x 356cm "This is a stunning, bold, vintage Turkish Oushak. This superb piece incorporates beautiful decorative col...

Introducing our Handmade Vintage Persian Hamadan Rug from the 1970s. This exquisite rug showcases a traditional design with a large geometric medallion, making it a captivating cente...

Displaying a charming and captivating appearance, this Vintage Turkish Patchwork kilim is an embodiment of modern rustic preppy style. The patchwork pattern is composed of intricatel...

Vintage Bokhara rug 2'1'' x 2'2''.

High Quality Vintage Esfahan Artisan Handmade Rug Traditional 6'9" x 9'8" 7x10 206cm x 295cm "Beautiful authentic handmade rug with exceptional workmanship in a rare size."-Anti...

Black High Quality Antique Esfahan Artisan Work 3'6" x 5' 107cm x 153cm "Beautiful handmade area rug in ivory. Fine quality and magnificent vas...

Italian space age various shade of red orange and brown short pile rug with geometric pattern, 1970s Short-pile rug, with design in various shades of red, orange and brown and with ...

Hand-Knotted wool and silk pile on silk foundation. Circa 1970 Signed Dimensions: 4'11" x 7'7" Origin: Iran Condition: Excellent Field Color: Ivory Border Color: Light-Brown ...

18th Century Tapestry Antique Flemish Tapestry Wool Silk Verdure 5x6 4'5" x 5'5" 153cm x 165cm Circa 1790 "This is a very fine authentic antique ...

Hand-knotted wool and silk pile on a cotton foundation. Circa 1970 Dimensions: 8'8" x 13'1" Origin: Iran Condition: Excellent Field Color: Multicolor Accent Colors: Ivory, Gr...

Hand-Knotted silk pile on silk foundation. (Over 700 KPSI) Circa 1970 Signed Dimensions: 9'7" x 13' Origin: Iran Condition: Excellent Field Color: Midnight-Blue Border Color: ...

Beautiful Flemish Tapestry 17th century Southern-Netherlandish wool and linen wall tapestry from the 17th century. Depiction of strollers in front of a castle. 300 x 192 cm G...

18th Century N.W. Persian Carpet with Inscription ( 7' x 15' - 213 x 457 )

France, 18th Century Hand-woven wool 190x250 cm

Hand-Knotted wool and silk pile on silk foundation. Circa 1970 Signed Dimensions: 6'6" x 8'3" Origin: Iran Condition: Excellent Field Color: Black Border Color: Ivory Accent ...

Introducing our exquisite Handmade Vintage Tibetan Khaden Rug from Nepal, showcasing a captivating dragon design at its center. This remarkable piece is a testament to timeless craft...

Hand-Knotted silk pile on silk foundation. (Over 700 KPSI) Circa 1970 Signed Dimensions: 6'7" x 8'3" Origin: Iran Condition: Excellent Field Color: Blue Border Color: Light-Br...

Moroccan Rug 4'6'' x 6'8''.

Mid-Century Modern handmade Zeki Muren Rug. Red and black design with a center design that screams to be noticed. Measures approx - 76 wide x 113 long.

Zeki Muren handmade Mid-Century Modern Rug. Yellow color with multi color streaks and designs. 7.3" x 10.5".

:: Concentric cent3r medallions with hexagonal and stepped contour adorned at either end by minor finials atop an abrashed ground and corner spandrel overlays loosely reciprocating t...

- good original condition with minor signs of use - Item has been cleaned

A very unusual tribal rug, distinguished by an emerald green background in various gradations, embellished by sparse geometric motifs as well as by an anthropomorphic figure. The yellow ground border contains a parallel set of cartouche-like elements which are characteristic of Kurdish tribal iconography. Indeed Kurdish people inhabit a considerable portion of eastern Anatolia since time immemorial, and are among the main tribes responsible for carrying on the ancient weaving traditions. A sweet little rug...

:: Covered field and field overlay bearing repeating boteh design elements wrapped by a minor blossom inner and outer minor border with meandering vine and floral main border in narr...