You are on page 1of 3

History of Rugs Rugs are one of the most used elements in our home for the purpose of decorating

as well as for other utility purposes. Inspite of fact history of rugs is as old as humans as rugs are being used from the earliest days of mankind. Historians have found several references to the art of rug weaving in ancient scriptures and classical writings. The marks in history denotes nomadic Eurasian, Mongolian, and Siberian dated back to 3rd millennium B.C., as first rug weavers ever who introduce the idea of rugs and carpet to the rest of the world. However, these rugs were merely for utilirian purpose as sitting and sleeping surfaces to keep them warm, in brutally cold weather. With time as animal grew most domesticated, nomads realized that the wool from sheep can prove to be useful for rug making. They then experimented with thick warm wool replaced from animal skin covering. These rugs were created with simple wrap and weft method in vertical and horizontal direction respectively. Since nomads used to travel from one place to another, other people were soon exposed to the art of rug making and ultimately this craft became famous in many other cultures of the world. With the passage of time, different cultures contributed in their own ways to the evolution of rugs. Soon looms were created for making rugs. These looms were wooden apparatus made up of two forked branches that were joined together in by a crosspiece. These loomed were manufactured to make the process of weaving, easier. To flatten the binding threads, a wooden bar was used along with Looms. At the time of these first looms, weavers used natural colors and materials. Eventually, colors made from vegetation were initiated to dye the fibers in order to create a more colorful rug. Later Chinese introduced materials such as silk and cotton for rug production. Asians also contributed the use of horizontal frames when weaving rugs so the shape of the rugs would be helpful to traveling. Although almost every culture contributed something to the history of rugs however, it is widely agreed that rug-making found its highest and most elaborate, skilled expression in Asian and Islamic cultures. Here is a time line based upon the mark from different of eras of history found by archeologist that some how contributed to history of rugs and rug-making methods or materials. Neolithic times Rug making is one of the earliest known crafts. Historians have found the evidence of rugs being used in Neolithic times, (New Stone Age, around 7000BC). Pazyryck rug

Pazyrck rug is the oldest rug of the world, found by a Russian Archeologist in a tomb of Cold Siberian Westland in Russia. This shows that rug weaving was already in practice in that era. In ancient days, rugs were created by simple wrap and weft method in vertical and horizontal directions respectively. This method is know as flat weaving and is still being used in weaving traditional rugs these days. 11th Century In the 11th Century Oriental rugs were introduced to Europe by Marco Polo and other European Explorers in the Age of Exploration. In the period of Renaissance as trade flourished with East, Persian and contemporary area rug became popular among the rich and were added as an embellishment for courts and wealthy homes. Around the same time in 11th Century, Mughals invaded India and they brought rug weavers from Persia to India along with them. 16th Century With time carpet weaving got famous in America and in 16th century Aubusson carpet production began in Beauvais. A carpet factory was also set up in the old Savonnerie soapworks in Paris. Earliest carpet factory established in England in the state of Wilton in around 1650. 17th Century The trend of carpets and rugs flourished with time. In around 1750 Thomas Witty introduced a new technique of rug weaving in England, adapted from French carpet factories for producing Axminster carpets. Soon Axminster carpets were gracing the floors of prestigious buildings all around Britain. Industry Revolution and 20th Century In early 19th century Textile and rug weaving rapidly shifted from cottageindustry to mass-production in factories. New looms equipments and engine were introduced to have a mechanized and flourishing textile industry.

In 20th century, the Brinton carpet was the first factory in Kidderminster who created powered Broadlooms. These powered Broadlooms enabled the creation of wall-to-wall carpeting. The wall-to-wall carpet got famous rapidly. Its popularity eventually spread from the wealthy to virtually every home around the country. Prepared by Alyshaan.com

You might also like