A Guide to Vintage Turkish Rugs
Vintage turkish rugs are the perfect way to add an elegant, timeless look to your home. These rugs are made with high-quality wool and often feature natural dyes. The best vintage rugs will also feature a wide range of styles and colors. Some are even reminiscent of the rugs used by ancient civilizations.
While most people think of antique rugs as being the ones that have been around for decades, there are actually a lot more vintage rugs out there than you might think. These rugs are made using techniques that have been passed down through generations, making them truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
In fact, the earliest Turkish carpets that can be traced back to an uncontested historical record date from the thirteenth century, when the Seljuks reigned in Anatolia. Their sophisticated compositions showcase a weaving culture that was already mature and deeply rich.
By the end of the 14th century, however, Mongol raids and socio-political changes had weakened the Seljuk rule. The original Ottomans then took over and established an empire that would last centuries. During this period of transition, many significant changes occurred in rug production. These included the development of niched prayer designs, or guls. These designs were so popular that they ended up appearing in paintings by Renaissance artists such as Memling, Lotto and Holbein.
Various regional styles began to emerge during this time as well. Milan-based carpet dealer Alfredo Levi describes them as varying in their weaving and knotting techniques. They include kilim, characterized by a plain slit-tapestry weave that leaves a gap or “slit” between sections woven with different yarns in multiple colors; sumak, made with weft wrapping for a sturdier flat-woven rug; and cicim, which employs Ghiordes knots that wrap the weft around two warp threads to impart lushness.
As the artisanal and artistic influences of these different regions were incorporated into Turkish rug designs, they became increasingly eclectic. Turkish tribal weavings, for example, incorporate asymmetry and an abundance of evocative, elemental designs. These motifs often reflect the weavers’ ancestral sheep herding culture. Other notable motifs include florals, stars and zigzags.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, vintage turkish rugs are also prized for their warmth and functionality. They are temperature controllers, natural humidifiers and comfort providers, as well as beautiful focal points in the room. Choosing a vintage rug can be a fun and rewarding experience.
It is important to consider a number of factors when selecting the perfect rug for your space, including how much wear and tear you expect it to receive, whether or not pets or children will be part of the household and what kind of budget you have. It is also important to remember that while a vintage rug may be more expensive than a newer rug, it will likely retain its value and will become more valuable over time as it ages.
One of the easiest ways to find a vintage rug that fits your needs and budget is by shopping online. There are many places that offer a huge selection of rugs to choose from, and most of them allow you to sort by price range.