About Rugs


Oriental carpets are a relatively new art form to this part of the world. In the absence of even an elementary knowledge of Oriental carpets, it is difficult for a novice buyer to judge their relative merits. For those looking to invest in their first Oriental rug, or for those who may already own an Oriental carpet and may wish to broaden their field of knowledge on the subject, the following information has been prepared to provide basic information about Oriental carpets, such as their history, production and artistic value.


Sheikh's would like to share the experience and understanding of many years in the design, composition and sale of high quality rugs. After weaving these exquisite carpets on our own private looms in Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, under strict quality control, now sells directly to investors and discriminating buyers around the world.

History


The basics of rug weaving have not changed for more than 3000 years. A 100% pure silk rug, hand knotted for Cleopatra (who herself was rolled in a silk carpet before she was presented to the Roman General Anthony) is no different than todays' rugs. The designs, tools, materials, type of knot, and the way of hand-tying the knot are the same today as they were in the time of the Great Pharaohs.



With their roots traced as far back as the Fifth Century B.C., Oriental rugs have evolved from a purely functional item to highly decorative and coveted works of art.A reference may be made here to the world famous Indus Valley Civilization which flourished in Pakistani region of Sind and Punjab some 5000 years ago. Excavation at Mohenjo Daro and Harrapa has established that the Indus Valley people knew about the use of spindles and spun a wide variety of weaving materials. In fact some historians of art are of the view that it was the Indus Civilization that for the first time developed the use of woven textiles. The wall relief and terracotta figures discovered at Mohenjo Daro show that not only shawls, but floor covering like rugs were widely in use.



The Pazyryk carpet, 200 x 183 cm has 360,000 TK/m2; the oldest known surviving hand-knotted pile carpet, was found in the burial mound of Scythian chieftain in the Pazyryk Valley in the Altai mountains of southern Siberia. It is now in the Hermitage Museum, Leningrad date from 500-400 BC, but literary sources confirm that woolen rugs were in use many centuries before that. As Homer, writing perhaps c. 900-800 BC, frequently mentions the practice of drawing up a stool and spreading a rug on it.


Today, thanks to a dramatic infusion of stylish colours and innovative designs, as well as the easing of international trade barriers, oriental rugs are experiencing an unprecedented growth in popularity. Increasingly, consumers are turning to these modern-day heirlooms to create timeless beauty, warmth, and classic design interest in their homes, apartments and offices.