Vintage Red Tabriz Rug

Located in the far northwest of Persia, Tabriz has been a leading center for the production of the finest rugs and carpets since the fourteenth century if not earlier. By 1500 it had...

Antique Tabriz rugs are distinguished by their excellent weave and by their remarkable adherence to the classical traditions of antique Persian rug design. But they cannot be disting...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

Ancient Roots Of Needlepoint Rugs 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. Historical Needlepoint Carpets and Rugs 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...

Vintage Swedish red flat woven rug. Size: 6'4" × 10'0" (193 × 304 cm) A Mid-20th Century vintage Swedish flat woven wool rug. The main field of this vintage Swedish rug is left plain...

Antique Russian area rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool. It’s colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pets. It’s a traditional Tabriz design hand...

This very high pile, coarse weave carpet show a borderless, abstract pattern roughly resembling a floral design writ very large, in warm shades of tangerine, orange-red, red and dar...

Vintage flat woven double sided red rug Size: 9'8" × 10'3" (294 × 312 cm) A vintage double sided, flat weave wool rug dating back to circa 1960. The main field features an all over d...

Vintage decorative Shirvan rug woven in the villages and mountains of the Caucasus with blue and red accents on a clear white ivory color ground. Measures: 3'7" x 5'2" The desi...

Originating from Russia circa 1890-1900, this antique piece connotes a Karabagh rug with a colorful approach to florals in deep, saturated hues arranged geometrically for clean arrangement. A favorite of our principal Josh Nazmiyal, the weave and design indicates Armenian characteristics lending to its collectability in equal measure to its unique use of color. This traditional style features a black background on which sit roses in pink, yellow, blue, red, and green with leaves of a bright red. Three borders appear on this antique Russian rug...