Oriental Rug Definitions

21 Jul Oriental Rug Definitions

Oriental rugs have variety of different types and most of the types have their own unique definitions. If you collect oriental area rugs, then you should be familiar with the various definitions and terms associated with these works of art. Learning about these terms will help you when you are looking for oriental rugs online or in a local market.

Following are some oriental rug definitions:

Afshar

Afshar refers to Turkic-speaking nomadic people who have settled in southern areas of Iran. Afshar rugs are small oriental rugs that feature tones of ivory, gold, red, and deep blue.

Arabesque

Arabesque refers to oriental area rugs that feature a decorative curving design of tangled vine and floral figures. Arabesque rugs are often seen in workshops of Qum, Nain, Tabriz, and Isphahan.

Aubusson

Aubusson is a fine flat rug that was woven in France from 15th century to 19th century. Modern rugs with similar colors and designs are also referred to as Aubusson rugs.

Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari are large oriental carpets woven by the settled tribespeople of southwestern Iran. Most Bakhtiari rugs feature garden design that consists of repeated diamonds or squares, each of which envelops a floral or tree motif.

Baluch

Baluch oriental rugs are made by nomadic tribespeople who live in eastern Iran and Afghanistan. These rugs feature deep tones of dark red, dark brown, blue, and finishes of natural ivory.

Bokhara

Oriental area rugs known as Bokhara are generally made in Pakistan using the famous Tekke Turkoman designs.

Boteh

This motif of oriental rugs represents either a Cypress tree, the sacred flame of Zoroaster, a palmetto, or a pine cone. It is also sometimes known as Paisley Pattern which is seen on various types of oriental rugs.

Cloudband

Cloudband is originally a Chinese oriental rug design but it is also sometimes seen in Persian rugs. The design is basically a conventional representation of a cloud that resembles a band tied at its collar.

Gul

Gul is an oriental rug that features an octagonal motif, typically divided into four and elongated.

Herati

Herati is an oriental rug design that features four leaves woven around a diamond. It is commonly found in rugs from Persia.

Kilim

Kilim is a popular flat woven oriental rug that is manufactured in the Mideast.

Reciprocal Design

It is a common oriental rug design. The motif contrasts colors but has a constant repeating pattern.

Rosette

Rosette is an oriental rug motif that resembles an open flower consisting of a circular arrangement. The arrangement of circles usually follows the parts around the center of the rug.

Sarouk

Sarouk are factory woven oriental rugs usually manufactured in Iran, specifically in the vicinity of Sultanabad (Arak). Most of the Sarouk rugs were exported to the U.S.

Sumak

Sumak is a flat-weave oriental rug that features a weft wrapping procedure to form the pattern and face of the rug.

War Rugs

War Rugs generally refer to the rugs made by Baluch natives during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. War Rugs feature motifs that display the different weapons of war, including helicopters, guns, and tanks.