ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 14, 1996 TAG: 9604160009
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Antiques & Design
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
Oriental rugs date to pre-Biblical times, when they were hand-woven and hung on walls as decorations as well as used as floor coverings.
During the Persian Empire, nomadic tribes of central Asia were weaving hand-knotted rugs to cover the cold, hard ground in their tents and used as saddle blankets.
There are some rugs of Turkish origin now in the Museum of Islamic Art in Istanbul that have been dated to the 13th century. It was not until the first hand-knotted Oriental rugs were imported to Europe by an Italian merchant that the history of the rugs started being recorded.
Americans began using Oriental rugs in early Colonial times. They were brought over on small ships that carried settlers to the New World. Examples may be seen in the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg.
Here are some of the principal types of Oriental rugs:
Persian: These excel in the beauty of design, harmony of colors and excellence of craftsmanship. Usually woven with Senna knot, their designs include floral and curved motifs with occasional animals and birds.
Turkish: Woven with the Giorolas knot, which is coarser than the Senna knot. The design is floral and geometrical. Colors are usually brighter and more pronounced than Oriental rugs. Prayer rugs or ``mithrad'' are the most popular type. They're about the size of a scatter rug.
Caucasian: The designs are mostly geometrical. Floral or curved motifs are seldom used. Colors are clear, cold and sharply defined.
Turkestan: Also know as Turkoman. They use mostly oblong, octagonal or diamond-shaped patterns. Colors are usually brown and red, occasionally shaded with blues and chocolate rust.
Chinese: Finely woven and softly textured, their designs are animals, floral and symbolic. Colors are soft, mellow blues, fawn and yellows.
Indian: Designs show strong Persian influences. They have a very coarse weave and heavy texture. Designs are vine, floral and animal patterns. Red dominates.
Correction
The Antiques & Designs column of March 24 incorrectly listed a sofa and chair at Salem Stained Glass & Antique as having originated in Paris. The pieces from the late 1700s or early 1800s actually were made in Philadelphia.
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Oriental rugs are usually brown and red, occasionallyby CNBshaded with blues and chocolate rust. color.