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With designs on your floorBy JUDY HAZLETT Home Furnishings EditorThe Oriental rug has a long and magnificent history dating before the 8th century B.C.And like any masterpiece traced to antiquity, its sensuous luxury, timeless elegance, and unmatched beauty are treasured today.In the days of Imperial Rome, Oriental rugs were considered as precious as jewels and sold for vast sums. Centuries later in western Europe Oriental rugs were placed before the altars and at the feet of holy images in the cathedrals and used to adorn the palaces of nobles.Still later, in the 18th century, age of stately homes, Oriental rugs were much sought after in England and the Continent to decorate the floors and walls of the great houses.History also shows that notable persons from the past found Oriental rugs for many uses:• Alexander the Great became so enam* ored of the Persian rug he captured that he ordered the rug makers spared, to follow his army and continue their art.• Plato was recognized as the owner of one of history's most fabulous collections.• Cleopatra was brought before Caesar wrapped in an Oriental rug.• Richard the lion Hearted brought Oriental rugs to western Europe as a prize of the crusades.This cherished art form was also noted by Homer in his famous Odyssey:“On gracious thrones, layer upon layer, this altar of most beautiful rugs.As for America, 18th century' merchantmen sailed home with wares from the world over and the Oriental rug was introduced to Colonial mansion and manor house.These fine works of art were crafted by master rug makers from such areas as Persia,China, Korea and Polynesian countries. Gifted with exceptional memory and uncanny creativeness for color and design, they traveled from one village to another directing the word of local craftsmen.The result: maintenance of superior quality, the introduction of exciting new variations of regional themes, and an interchange of classic motifs.As the centuries went by the Oriental rug became part of life around the world.They are used for decor in every style of home, In many areas of the world the rugs were used for warmth — especially by the traveling nomad tribes of Europe and the Far East.And today — 1972 — the Oriental rug is still a treasured heirloom that graces some of the country's linest and most expensive homes. Some owners are of the opinion that the more tattered and worn the rugs might be — the more valued they are as an antique.They are not used so much for warmth, but to enrich rooms with an aura of gracious elegance.The cost factor makes it impractical for most of us to own an Oriental rug made by the master rug maker unless you can afford up to $10,000 for an original.So, to make it possible for the average apartment dweller or home-owner to add the warmth and individuality of one of these timeless works of art to their own decor, a new method has been created to offer Oriental design rugs at a practical cost.According to George Fowler of Aaron Schultz Furniture in long Beach, most of the Oriental design rugs are made in Europe and imported to this country by leading carpet manufacturers.“To duplicate the color and design of the originals, a certain type of loom is needed — and they are only found in Europe, he said. In fact many of the families looming the Oriental designs today are descendants of thegreat weaving families of the 16th and 17th centuries.Copied from the original rug designs, these colorful, lush floor coverings will fit into any mood you might choose.Whether you prefer the softly muted, elegantly mejlowed antique colors, rich, full-hued classic colors, or serenely sophisticated pastel tones, they will complement the style of your room. Whether your taste runs to early Queen Anne furniture, glittering chrome-and-glass modern, or anything in between, they will enrich the personality of your home by adding a new world of charm, warmth anti individuality.“Oriental design rugs are more important today than ever in home decor because of the eclectic look,” Fowler explained.They are equally at home in city or country — in modem as well as traditional settings.With modern decor you may want rugs in rich, robust, eye-filling classic colors — colors that inspired such great painters as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Renoir.Also with modern or contemporary furniture, you may use smartly serene, beautifully balanced pastel colors that add a wealth of distinction and sophistication to your decor. For traditional settings, you may prefer classics or exquisitely mellow antique colors.Sizes range from small dtxjrway dimensions to gigantic 12*by-20 foot; prices from $49.95 and up.To help these Oriental designs fit into your 1972 decors, the rug makers have updated some of the versions, too.They are available in octagonal, round and rectangular shapes — with or wilhout fringes — in today's modem colors.Fowler says: The true worth of owning an Oriental design rug is being able to start your own heirloom — to keep and pass on to your children and their children just as they did in centuries past. rr
Newspaper Details
Independent Press Telegram
Long Beach, California, US
Sun, Nov 05, 1972
Page 190
Full Page
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USA 27 Mar 2024
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