Like a lot of Westerners, I'm attracted to the evidence of wear -- the colors made more mellow by time and the almost nonexistent "pile." Technically, pile, to use the Textile Museum's definition, is a plush or shaggy surface formed by the cut ends of yarns known as rug knots. And pile rugs traditionally created east of the Mediterranean are classified as Oriental rugs. The rug above is so worn that it now feels like a kilim (no-pile textile) or flatweave. If you're interested, Marla Mallett has put together a seriously comprehensive tribal flatweave bibliography. Click here for a sampling of Mansour's stunning collection of antique Oriental and Persian rugs.
I say this nearly every time I post an Oriental rug: the dense patterns hide a multitude of sins making them extremely family-friendly.
Posts
8 comments:
Simply gorgeous. Here is what I've been trying to find out and maybe you know the answer/a source or perhaps it's a good conversation starter: short of time, any way to achieve this look on a fairly new rug? We have some old ones that are not old by oriental rug standards and I'd love to enjoy it in a "more mellow" state...
Truly a gorgeous family heirloom. I love the colors and especially the 'sun'.
A great summer weekend to you Schuyler ~
Hi Marija,
Thanks for stopping by. Everyone has really different views on 'distressing' new things. There are honest reproductions made to look like older rugs, and of course there are fakes passing as antiques. Daily use and sun streaming through windows ages new things more gently. In fact, many people protect valuable textiles from sunlight because it can be so harsh. So, in short, whether you want it to or not, sun fades things for sure. I'd probably let the aging happen naturally -- not purposely beat it up :)
DT --
Thanks for noticing the colors. I do love them. Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Courtney
It is a beautful heirloom to treasure.....I love the design.
Karena
Art by Karena
It is interesting this desire for wear. What is it, must be more to it than meets the eye? I share this passion with you Courtney, very thought provoking. pgt
It's a beautiful rug. I think there's something about worn pieces that attracts people. Maybe it's the possible story behind each one!
Lila Ferraro
Queen Bedroom Sets
It is a beautiful rug and telling that you were studying its pattern as a girl. We have an old rug of Mr. B's grandmother's. So worn it has a hole, which makes it so much better in my eyes.
Post a Comment