A Weft Of Different Color
Many different colors of wool have been used as wefts in the weaving of antique rugs. The reason for this is that there was a time when nothing went to waste.
Mid 20th Century “Nazca Lines” Carpet by Olga Fisch
The “Nazca Lines” are ancient Peruvian, but they have inspired the drawing on this Moderne New World carpet – the only known Olga Fisch piece executed in an abstract, minimalist manner.
Ryan Lawson | A NYC Kitchen
Ryan Lawson does it again.
I mean, just WOW with that bookmatched quartzite on the walls and counters…am I right? The way the clean lines draw your attention perfectly down to the center of it all, the place where all the action happens – the range.
The Shou Symbol on Antique Chinese Peking Carpets
Chinese art loves symbols!
The “Shou” motif is one of the most popular symbols in Chinese art and can be translated literally to “long life” in its original calligraphic character form.
Unique Lavar Kerman Rug
The almost black field of this very fine antique Kerman displays an imaginative, elaborate version of the classic Persian Harshang “crab” pattern.
A Masculine Sense of Home
In a space that is sophisticated and minimal, eclectic and well traveled, neat and organized, and mindful of itself; a space that loves the pure essence of music and aims to capture the cleanest sound, sits the perfect braided carpet.
Ecuadorian Carpets Designed by Olga Fisch
Of Hungarian origin, Olga Fisch(1901-1991) emigrated in 1939 to Ecuador where she quickly took to the local arts and crafts available in the Quito markets
A Floridian Statement
We all know that a good Chinese Deco adds instant drama to a space – and in this Florida home, the red carpet claims all of the attention in a sea of white.
A Woodland Escape | Rachel Schwartz Design
In a home surrounded by greenery, and structured with nature in mind, Rachel Schwartz takes a minimal approach in highlighting the earthy elements which move from without to within in this environmentally aware property in Gladwyne, PA.
Rudolf Stingel | Venice Biennale Art Fair – Palazzo Grassi Exhibit
Rudolf Stingel is an artist who focuses on exploring the relationship between art, space, and the viewer. He wants his installations to be interactive; to evoke emotion and depth of thought.
19th Century Caucasian Talish Runner
An unusually fine example from a rare group of mid-19th century Talish (Shirvan) long rugs, almost always with radiant blue and more or less open grounds, this piece employs few simple geometric devices.
Home in the Hills | Heidi Caillier
In a Berkeley Hills home with incredible warmth and strength in its base elements, Heidi Caillier offsets the dark woodwork with an earthy hue, eschewing traditional white walls for a cozier appeal.
Abstract English Tufted Carpet
This one of a kind piece, commissioned by National Westminster Bank in Glasgow, is stamped on the jute lining “Designed and made by Ron Nixon”.
Antique Rugs of China | The Pictorial Bao Tou
Baotou having been a main trade post for excellent wool and carpets from the region, was itself well known for it’s pictorial rugs. The city’s Mongolian name translates to “place with deer”, which may account for the recurring theme of this imagery.
Simplicity in Contrast | Fawn Gali
Views of infinity draw the eye into a room that uses color and form sparingly to create an energetic juxtaposition of focal points.
Persian Formal Garden Carpet
A stunning and easygoing Persian formal garden rug with neutral tones, which successfully represents elements of earlier and more elaborate antique garden carpets by use of specific design elements.
Clash of the Carpets | Donegal vs Oushak
Battle of the bands? How about a combat of the carpets? Who is original and who is derivative? Who copied whom and who inspired whom? Which came first?
Antique Rugs of China | Art Deco
The term Art Deco refers to the style launched at the 1925 Paris World’s Fair Exhibition of Modern and Industrial Decorative Art. Woven between the wars for the Western Market, Chinese Art Deco rugs used strong colors, assymetric patterns, and downplayed the Chinese-ness of the carpet.
Asian Elegance | Residence in Shanghai
High up in the sky, above the canopy of trees, an elegant gem overlooks the river. A blending of styles – modern Asian meets European chic in this comfortable yet formal affair.
Effortlessly Masculine | Haver & Skolnick
When we look at this sitting area of their design, we can see why. There’s a simplicity to the use of earthy hues and textures that carries its own weight. From the strength of the wood beamed ceiling, to the feel of leather that demands respect but has a gentle hand, the space is effortlessly masculine.
Caucasian Rugs: A Brief Introduction
The second half of the 19th century was the most important for Caucasian rugs, and most available antique Caucasian carpets are from that era; although the oldest examples – the Shusha Karabagh “Dragon” carpets – date well into the 17th century.
Silvia Furmanovich | Silk Road Jewelry
“Four men tossed a silk carpet into the air, and as it floated to the ground I envisioned a pair of earrings.” These are the words Silvia said to Jill Newman of Town and Country Magazine, in reference to her impressions of the Uzbek weavers of Bukhara.
Mid 19th Century Aubusson of the Studio-Office at L’Ermitage de Pompadour
Home of collector Charles de Noailles, French author and patron of the arts, the office was decorated by Georges Geffroy (1903/05–1971), who is aptly described by Mitch Owens as “the most glamorous interior designer you’ve never heard of.”
Braided Woolen Rag Carpet
Among the most desirable of American antique braided carpets are those with a strong circular bull’s eye design alternating light and dark rings concentrically, converging to a central disc. This striking piece in excellent condition admirably meets all the desiderata.
Bedroom at Château de Montpoupon
Montpoupon is a fortified castle destroyed during the hundred years war, and rebuilt during the Renaissance by the Prie family. The chateau has been inhabited by the same family since 1857.
Peking Chinese Silk and Metal Thread Rug
Most of the silk and metal thread rugs, ostensibly, according to their inscriptions, made for the Imperial palaces in the Forbidden City, display five writhing, scaly dragons. This one shows a meditating Buddha with an enormous flaming halo, seated in a Lotus Position.
Ramazan Can | To Feel at Home
“A tapestry that I was later told is an original, used piece that belonged to the family of Can, was juxtaposed with neon lights, outlining some of the patterns of the carpet itself. The work was dichotomous – old and new, quiet and bold, handmade and industrial – all at once.” – Rahul Kumar
A Dramatic Escape | Sasha Bikoff Design
In a home that is filled with a paradox of palettes, each room is a journey to another place, time, and vibe. Sweeping the soul from silence, reverence, and peace; to energetic bursts of life through various interpretations of the spring garden; to this dramatic escape.
Antique Indian Sampler Mat
Sampler mats were created for several different purposes: to store patterns; for the weavers to consult when making larger carpets; and for the ultimate client to approve the weave, color way and pattern before a larger carpet is woven.
Indian samplers are quite rare, and they usually function as both weaver guides and pattern reservoirs.
Fun Find | Tiny Pricks Project
Over time the movement has evolved into an array of political quotes, messages, statements, and opinions, as well as messages of peace, love, and inspiration. The creative process of stitching statements of importance that make us feel something, whatever that may be, continues to expand and grow in fascinating ways.
Celebrating Masterworks
It’s no secret that we love working with the spectacular Ryan Lawson, and we were especially thrilled to see his inspired visions in an exhibition called CELEBRATING MASTERWORKS, in which Ryan used some of our vintage and antique carpets to help build narratives around the furniture.
Mid 19th Century Central Asian NingXia Carpet
This is a particularly large example of a Mandarin official’s carpet with a central medallion displaying nine lion dogs collectively symbolic of success on the national Chin Shih examination which provided guaranteed entry into the national administrative bureaucracy and the wealth devolving therefrom.
In the Beginning There Was Necessity
In the history of material culture we find ourselves studying the evolution of art through utilitarian objects – furniture, woven goods, pottery, etc. all fall into this category. It was not merely enough to make something useful – humans from cultures around the world were compelled to make objects that served a purpose, but were also beautiful. Through these items, the evolution of design is studied.
