Rugs: Oriental and Occidental, Antique & Modern: A Handbook for Ready ReferenceHolt, Rosa Belle
History
Rugs: Oriental and Occidental, Antique & Modern: A Handbook for Ready Reference
Holt, Rosa Belle
Rugs; Rugs, Oriental
_Khiva_ rugs are woven by Turkomans inhabiting Central Asia. The
firmness, durability, and bold grandeur of these rugs render them very
pleasing. The field is of one of the splendid reds so much favored by
this great race. Arranged over the field are large forms of the lozenge.
Frequently these large forms contain smaller lozenges, which are very
decorative. Often a part of the larger lozenge forms are indented at
both top and bottom. There is generally a stark tree form between the
lozenges, in a peacock blue color. Much ivory is used throughout the
field and border, in heavy lines of demarcation. These rugs are sold
under the name of Afghan in the Western market. Well-toned shades of
red, blue, tan, ivory, and an occasional green are the usual colors.
Sometimes a Khiva has a long panel centre, with a prayer niche. In many
fine specimens the lustre is an added attraction.
_Samarkand_ rugs are a product of Central Asia. They show distinctly
Chinese characteristics. Sometimes the field is covered with round
medallions, from one to five in number, holding odd figures. The Chinese
fret is common in the design, and sometimes a large crude flower
arrangement is noticed. Reds, magenta, green, blues, a soft fawn, white,
and much yellow, especially in the border, are the usual colors. Soft
and rich, these rugs have a distinctive character, and are attractive.
Their texture, however, is quite thin, and they are not very durable for
the floor, but attractive on the wall or divan.
[Illustration: SAMARKAND RUG
SIZE, 11.6 × 5.10
_This is a fine specimen of the Samarkand rug. As usual in rugs of this
class, the weaving is rather loose and the texture thin. The coloring is
extremely rich and mellow. The field of red is in a warm tone, and the
medallions are in fine shades of blue. One of the border stripes is a
Chinese design. As in all rugs of this description, the Chinese element
is plainly seen, both in design and color, showing what proximity of
location will effect._]
_Tekké-Turkoman_ rugs are sold in the Occident under the name of
Bokharas. The design has little variety, and generally the rugs are
among the easiest to distinguish. The design is usually octagon, in
white or ivory tones with blue and orange, and occasionally green, upon
a field of rich deep red, or rose. Brown and black, with white, are also
used in the lines of demarcation or in the border. Sometimes the smaller
designs are very decorative. Occasionally in the past this tribe, which
is considered the most savage of all the Turkomans, has woven a rug with
a diamond figure in place of the octagon, but this is not typical. Also
instead of the usual red field a wonderful mahogany shade is seen with a
rare green in place of the usual blue of the octagon. In the borders one
often finds the eight-pointed star. The Tekké tribe use their rugs as
_portières_, for divan covers, and for floor coverings. Rich in
coloring, fine, yet durable, these rugs are greatly prized.
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