The History of Oriental Rugs

The term Oriental rug is used interchangeably as carpets. Such a connotation is popular and widely accepted to have similar meanings, despite differences in some cultures. Significantly, the Oriental rug pertains to the antique rugs crafted by the different tribes in Central Asia. Without the term “Oriental” a whole new perspective is presented and it is rather dry, without a renowned value at all. Consequently, the word “carpets” alone may present confusion. But for definition purposes, an Oriental rug is a type of carpet with differing symbolism and uses.

The Oriental rugs have long been in existence since the ancient times. They are produced by most tribes in the following

countries: Iran, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal, China, India, Tibet, and some countries in the Middle East. Since these rugs are produced by different tribes, the whole Oriental rug package specifically shows the unique culture and traditions of the tribe. This is the reason why the oriental rugs produced by a specific tribe are named after the tribe.

Generally, each Oriental rug features an incredible variety in colors, sizes, designs, and weave. In addition, since they are hand woven, the designs remain unique from one another. These characteristics, along with the antique quality, make the Oriental rugs valuable in the eyes of many people worldwide.

Origin in Different Contexts

Origin

Many theories exist as to which country or tribe produced the first hand woven Oriental rug. One popular theory claims that the first rug is woven by one of the nomadic tribes in any country of Central Asia. According to the theory, the particular nomadic tribe was unwilling to slay several valuable animals or livestock for their hides, which were intended to be used as floor coverings. As a result, they tried using the hair of the sheep, camels, and goats in order to produce textiles that are almost similar to the needed animal hide. Seeing the result, they looked for similar resources and stumbled upon the fibers used for the rugs. Eventually, they also found out about the various natural dyes, such as vegetables and tree barks in order to create designs on the rugs. Since then, the Oriental rugs and similar products with practical uses came into being. They also became essential ornaments in many homes since the ancient times.

Physical Evidence

The first physical evidence of the Oriental rugs in the history of weaving was discovered in Siberia in 1949. The Pazyryk carpet, as it was called, was found in a royal tomb in the said country. It was greatly regarded for its incredible design and craftsmanship, which is judged by experts to be a product of long traditions. Its fine details and attention to the overall style were commended by many and served as inspiration to the weavers of today. In fact, the weaving technique used in the Pazyryk is still used until today by traditional weavers. Since its discovery, it was frozen using perma frost in order to preserve the carpet until today.

Literature

In literature, the Oriental rug made its first appearance in the script of the famous play entitled “Agamemnon,” which was written by Aeschylus in 500 BC. The part of the script containing the mention of the carpet was when Agamemnon commented on the carpets that his wife, Clytemnestra, prepared for his homecoming. Here, the carpets are spread on the floor when Agamemnon arrived. He acknowledged the beauty of the carpets, which is “a silver’s worth” while expressing his unwillingness to walk on them because of its worth and beauty.

Ancient Legend

Probably the most remarked legend involving the Oriental rug was during the rule of King Chosroes I in 531 - 579 CE. According to the legend, the Spring Carpet of Chosroes was woven in the memory of the defeat of Romans by this Persian king. Despite the defeat of the Persians by the Muslims in 641 CE, the carpet remained in the realm. The beauty of the rug is very evident as it had been woven with gold thread and precious gems. In addition, the design on the carpet incorporated the Persian King’s favorite sceneries in his kingdom. Records show that the size of the rug is 400 by 100 feet and is several tons heavy.

Evolution

Functions

The Oriental rugs’ functions in the ancient past varied from weaver to weaver. In most tribes in Central Asia, hand weaving served their basic needs, such as clothing for the tribesmen and their animals. Historians believed that the development of hand weaving started with the practical use. But seeing that it promised aesthetic values as well, many other tribes enriched this tradition by weaving for such purpose. Later on, its development allowed them to offer similar products to neighboring tribes and countries. This is where the proliferation of the Oriental rugs started.

Such practical uses are very evident among the tribes of the Middle East. Despite this, they still craft the rugs as if they are ornamental as well. They largely incorporate their culture and traditions to the patterns they use. Among the patterns evident of their identity are arabesque and geometric in nature.

In China, they are mostly ornamental. This is the reason why they incorporate their famous symbolisms to the designs of their Oriental rugs. These symbolisms are largely Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist schools of thought. In India, however, the patterns and designs of the Oriental rugs portray only the Mogul rulers.

In other countries, the Oriental rugs serve both purposes, but with more inclination towards its value as a decoration. In fact, many countries in the past import the Oriental hand woven rug for the rich people, who believe that it depicts high status symbol. This is natural since only the wealthy people can afford these hand woven products, especially the Oriental rugs.

Proliferation

The Oriental rugs were introduced to the West during the period of the Crusades. The crusaders were extremely enthralled with the hand woven Oriental rugs and eventually increased the demand for them. Originally, they became status symbols for the wealthy and royal families rather than products for practical use because of its price. The Europeans’ fascination with the hand woven pieces has led the antiques into their own history books as symbols of wealth.

The propagation of the Oriental rugs and other similar hand woven products had continued over the centuries. During the 1600’s, the importation of the Oriental rugs had even affected the French economy because of the large importation level of the country. This cannot be helped since over time, the value of the Oriental rugs had really gone up and staying as a representation of a high status symbol certainly increased its price as well.

Development and Popularity

The Oriental rugs had been in the history for over 2000 years when the Islam propagated during the 7^th century. Under this rule, hand weaving continued to flourish. With more and more Muslim-conquered nations, this tradition had even branched out to several branches of various artistic statements and style.

The peak of hand weaving Oriental rugs must have happened during the 16^th to the 7^th centuries when they were in demanded by the wealthy families all over the world. Many other nations even started to duplicate the ancient tribe’s works. This may have contributed to the decline in value of the rugs, but the value of the antique ones created by the original ancient tribes may have been kept and sought around the world during those times.

Today, the Oriental rugs remain popular, despite the steady decline in demands since its peak. This, however, does not mean that the trade is over. In fact, many people seek antique rugs and similar products for their collections. Some of them are still demanded because of their practical uses, but many of these hand woven products mainly serve the people’s demand for classic and antique pieces. The Oriental rugs are valuable today because of its exciting and notable history.