Rug Fragment Sample Collection

:: A selection of 11 rug fragments representing a variety of rug types, weaving styles, origins, and construction techniques. Assembled as a reference collection for use at events, presentations, and educational displays.

#1 : Antique Malayer Rug Circa 1915-1920
Rugs of this type are single wefted, often finer in weave, and have a thinner profile than many others. They often have subtle playful motifs which, at times, contain hidden animals and people scattered within. Rugs of this type are good staple pieces, especially in runner sizes / proportions. 

#2 : Modern Distressed* Kurdish Rug Weaving Circa 1990-2010
Rugs of this type are woven, as opposed to knotted, with good quality wool. Designs are often large scale and sometimes primitively drawn with nuanced renderings in geometric designs such as diamonds, checkered squares, etc. Often with thicker piles than other types, each piece is rather unique. Traditionally made with vivid oversaturated colors in red tones as well as magenta, tangerine orange, and raspberry shades which are often softened through a washing process leaving a subtler, more playful, palette. 

#3 : Vintage Distressed Kars Rug Circa 1960-1990
Rugs of this type often have large scale design patterns with scrolled ram’s horn accents for powerful impact. They have drawn down shades, done through wash and sunning, creating a more neutral palette with earthen wood-brown shades, sand, beige, and bronze, though at times pops of accent colors are included, often in shades of magenta or fuchsia. Some of these pieces have high sheen woolen piles with silk-like character.

#4 : Antique Distressed* Malayer Circa 1920-1930
Rugs of this type often have all-over designs in sprawling interconnected vines and floral renderings with occasional hidden details such as serpents or people. The designs tend to be rhythmic with a fluid feel that is ideal for long hallways.  Typically lower in profile, these pieces have undergone a washing / sunning technique to tone down the rich traditional shades and instead embracing cooler, softer, tones more in line with today’s decorative aesthetic. Similar in variety and age to fragment #1. 

#5 : Vintage Distressed* Anatolian Circa 1970-1980
Rugs of this type come in a wide array of colors that are often fun, upbeat, and sometimes tropical, and not often found in other rugs. An example of such a color is the purple seen within the fragment. In many instances these rugs have their colors washed down to lighten their tone. Often single wefted and commonly found in 5x10 and similar sizes. Usually made with soft wool, there is often a lot of neutral spacing and central medallions that are defined not by outline but rather by design density.  Traditionally made with upbeat colors and uniquely shaded, these rugs are sometimes washed down leaving them with more even, tone-on-tone coloration.

#6 : Antique Karabagh Rug Circa 1890-1910
Rugs of this type often have a classic Herati design motif in a Karabagh / Armenian weaving which often includes two sickle shaped leaves (symbolizing mahi-mahi fish) and a central round floral design (symbolizing the earth) which is said to represent two fish in a never-ending pursuit of one another around the world. Armenian rugs are well known for their resilient wool and steady dye shading with more uniformity to coloration. Signature colors include cochineal red, deep navy blue, blush tones, and deep oxblood purple/red. 

#7 : Antique Mahal Rug Circa 1880-1900 
Rugs of this type and age have a wide array of colors and often have a classic Herati design motif but in a much larger scale with lots of nuances and artistic merit. This specific example has delicately drawn scrolling tendrils and has more of a village feel to it as it was not formally mapped as with rugs made in workshops which usually have finer knotting and a more regimented feel. 

#8 : Antique Kerman Rug Fragment Circa 1890-1910
Rugs of this type and age are durable with central medallions and more of a European flavor, often featuring thousand flower design motifs. While it has the uniformity of a workshop weaving it still has subtle details such as abrashes in the blue shades. Traditional shades include cochineal red (a deep red with a tint of blue, almost on the cusp of purple when oxidized), navy blue, and antique ivory. 

#9 : Antique Lilihan Rug Fragment Circa 1910-1930 
Rugs of this type are made with high quality wool with a nice gloss and a bit of cushion underneath and can often be found in runner sizes. Colors are traditionally more rich and vibrant featuring gem shades such as ruby red, emerald green, and sapphire blue.

#10 : Vintage Distressed* Malayer Hamadan Rug Fragment Circa 1925-1935 
Rugs of this type and age have often had their original tones of traditional deeps reds and blues drawn down leaving softer, calmer, soothing shades as well as harmonized shearing of the pile down to the knot heads or close to it. These pieces impart great texture and fit well with today’s decorative tastes.

#11 : Antique Farahan Sarouk Rug Fragment Circa 1900-1915
Rugs of this type are often dense, durable, and strong carpets made with great quality high luster long stapled wool. Colors are often vivid with deep, rich, vibrant saturated tones in traditional shades including reds and blues. 

Kindly Note: 

We make every effort to respect and preserve antique and vintage rugs and to keep them in circulation for use, as was their original intention. At times this requires that the rug be re-envisioned as another item, such as an ottoman, pillow, rug cork board, etc. The eleven rug fragments herein are samples from such carpets, and each represents approximately 5-12 days’ worth of weaving. Each piece is a good representation of the types of goods we carry at Old New House and are intended to give an idea as to types of texture, colors, and more. 

*Fragments / Rugs being described as “distressed” have been treated in some capacity to give them a more worn aesthetic without damaging the integrity of the rug, whether it be by sunning, shearing, or other.

 Item ID: AS1133Z1134Z