The Rug Thread

Also those war rugs are some crazy shit, never seen something like that before..

The patterns are not always obvious, like this one with helicopters (in the paisley style) and superfortress size bombers (crows foot motif) dropping their payload..

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This one deserves a mention with tanks, guns and helicopters looking like scorpions.

it's a bit like find the motifs.. here are some general rules..
Camel – wealth, prosperity
Cypress Tree – strength, endurance
Tree of Life – eternity–path from earth to heaven
Chicken, Rooster – dawn of a new day, fresh start, sexual prowess
Bird – paradise, faith
Star – spirituality, good luck
Carnation – happiness
Pomegranate – abundance, fertility
Paisley design – flame, universe
Jug – purification

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This from Uzbekistan circa 1900 is sublime, I think these are similar to kilims produced in the Caucasus region. Thankfully no weapons of destruction, also pre soviet occupation.

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Such beautiful things...

Cool thread, got a couple of nice rugs I bought in Isfahan in 2001 back at my parents, will get some pics when ever I am allowed there again

Nice! I ordered a Uzbek chapan (sort of dressing gown) to wear around the house. Surprisingly cheap on eBay. Hasn’t arrived yet though..

Thanks guys, please share photos on this thread when you are ready.

I would like to celebrate this Kurdish prayer rug, in Arabic sajjāda, in Persian namāzlik.

These rugs are not unique to Kurdish people, but found across the Islamic world in many patterns. However, the principles are usually the same. Since the birth of Islam these precious personal possessions would have been carried everywhere by nomadic tribes.

Incidentally, kilims predate Christianity and Islam, in fact woven textiles across the globe have been in existence even longer.

Kurdish identity and tradition has diminished for decades maybe centuries now. A stateless people dispersed across the globe who’s home originate in a region between modern day Turkish, Syrian, Iranian and Iraqi borders.

Typically, the asymmetric design within the central field represents the mihrab arch which should be pointing toward the Qibla Makkah Kaaba during prayer.

I can only assume other possessions on the hoof would include a portable compass and an astrolabe, these early inventions to establish location/direction/time. Also without the benefit of the call to prayer (adhan) from the minaret of a mosque located in villages, towns and cities.

The daily obligatory prayers collectively form the second of the five pillars in Islam, observed five times every day at prescribed times. These are;

Fajr (observed at dawn),
Zuhr prayer (observed at noon),
Asr (observed late in the afternoon),
Maghrib (observed at dusk),
Isha (observed after sunset)

Ram Horn Motif Border looks like a Star Wars TIE fighter

In many cultures, a ram horn was used as a wind instrument that was blown by men to summon people together. As a motif, it represents masculinity, power, fertility and heroism, and it is sometimes believed that women who weaved ram horn motifs on rugs, wished for such qualities in their future husband.

Wolf Mouth motif
within the second border are symbols of protection.. protecting the flock against wolves

Tree of Life
within the central field filled with symbolic references, cluster of crosses for protection, male / female symbols for fertility, icons of dowry chests, i am guessing or wealth related motifs. this is the journey or path from earth to heaven.

I find it endlessly fascinating, the study of compositions like this. The culture, heritage, hopes, fears, dreams, all illustrated during a time of worship.

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Diggin' this thread. Love a rug me. Got a few fun ones here. Will take pics later.

Big departure now. I saw quite a few rugs like this in Marrakesh. From the Beni Ouarain, collective name for the 17 Berber (Amazighs) tribes of the Atlas Mountains. The hieroglyphic symbols provide tribal identity, lucky charms, instructions. Also common in Berber tattoos.

https://benisouk.com/blogs/blog/the-secrets-behind-the-symbols-on-the-berber-rug?gclid=CjwKCAjw07qDBhBxEiwA6pPbHuv1nBTu2alGO2TojYwSKQynXK6VkfbJ2bGH9EyrU24AwVtz-5TYSxoCjf4QAvD_BwE

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From the Caucasus Region 19th Century where Eastern Europe meets Asia along the Caucasus Mountain Range, with over 28 ethnic groups packed between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea,

Strange that Caucasian = White in the US

The strong border pattern, colour blending, contrasting brings this kilim alive.

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This from Azerbaijan, pre soviet occupation.

the earrings, cuffs = love and marriage
the crosses = protection
the border = protection / strength
the eye diamond in diamond symbol = protection

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The last batch for now are from Afyon in Turkey, a region I want to visit once this pandemic passes and borders open up.

Each motif within the diamond represents a symbol of love and union. this could be a wedding present.

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Also from Afyon, Turkey. A colour way unique to this region, zig zag pattern depicting mountains

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Again from Afyon, Turkey.

The cuff motif border = fetter = union = marriage = handcuffs, lol

Clearly not lost on the people from Afyonkarahisar, famous for its hot springs, spas, marble and opium

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Thanks for your contributions to this thread @almac68 - it's appreciated!

I'm learning a lot and also enjoy marveling at the designs and colors!

🥰

I just learned that there are printed rugs, that mimic hand woven rugs.

https://famerugs.com/de/products/bulud-vintage-rug-looks-dark-blue-luxurious-medieval-tracery-home-decor-hand-knotted-texture-distressed-beach-home-decor-turkish-rug

I'm shopping for a rug for the front room at the moment, so much to choose from, so many dodgy looking dealers around the place... How do you find a reputable seller?

@tinakino these printed rugs look ace and very affordable. I am considering a stair runner im about to buy a set of brass stair rods, perhaps this is where I should go for that faded look instead of getting a plain runner, making the stairs look new, fresh

@>>>>>>>> so many sources to choose from, i don't really know any reputable sellers in the UK, or whether they will just mark up the price on something that originally is very cheap at source. But I will have a think, that's what this thread is for, i suppose.

i have always loved Benisouk and collection of Berber rugs.. but before you part with money you always want to see it IRL

https://benisouk.com/

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^
really like this one

Would love to have more rooms, to put more rugs in 🙂

Here's some rugs from Morocco I stumbled over the other day.
Quite "playful", for lack of a better way to describe them - maybe some of you enjoy:

..via https://them.fr/en/

We've decided against getting one now, I measured up where I wanted to put it and realised it may not work as well as I'd imagined (see pic)... We're gonna stay as we are for the moment, I'm a bit sad as I'd set my heart on getting one... Had even found an Afghan war rug for sale locally, much too large for our room anyway but probably just as well... Excuse the mess... 🐷

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Here's that war rug I found near me, totally nuts...

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Just stumbled on this thread, lfgss really has something for everyone..!

Haven’t bought from them but http://www.Theanou.com has some lovely examples of Moroccan rugs, some in stock and some to order.. nice model means the makers get a fair return from their work...