Oriental Rugs : Herak

Herat has been a trading center where nomadic weavers bring their wares for sale. Herat, now part of Afghanistan was once part of Iran where over time motifs like the single floral head surrounded by four rectilinear leaves in a diamond framework have become associated with Herat production. Sometimes called Mahi or Fish in the Pond is based on the Persian myth that four swimming fish support the world. The small Turkoman rugs have developed from the nomadic to semi-nomadic tribes that produce their rugs from small portable looms and trade within Herat.

Garden Motif.

The garden carpet is based on the Islamic Charharbagh (four-part garden) which relates to the idea of a heavenly garden. The design is based on a central fountain from which river flow out dividing the garden. This motif is seldom used or seen in modern carpet production, but are a treat when you can find them.

The greatest example of this type of work would have probably been the garden carpet produced for Chosroes the Arab world or I to celebrate his victorious conquering over the Romans. It was said to have been 400 feet long by 100 feet wide, literally the size of a football field that could be strolled across as if you were actually within a garden. Unfortunately, Heraclius II whose soldiers cut up the carpet to take home as souvenirs defeated Chosroes II.

Another place to see a comparable feat accomplished in the four part garden motif is in the Taj Mahal (taj mahal slide). Produced in Agra to be the home of the tomb of the Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 1647 and is divided by water channels dividing the gardens.

The Altai rug is the oldest known textile known today and was the burial accompaniment of a Scything Warrior Prince. Considered to be from around 500 BC was discovered by Russian, S.I. Rudenko in the 1940's when the Russians, driven by an interest in the orient after 250 years of Mongol occupation, were on a campaign to acquire eastern treasures. Robbers had pillaged the tomb, but they chose to leave behind the textiles that were flooded and frozen preserving them for discovery by the Russian archeologist. The pile utilized the Ghiordes or Turkish knot, but others in the same tomb used the Senneh knot pointed towards Silk Road trade influence as early as the Sassanian period of oriental history. The animal motifs lead many to believe the work is Mongol in origin.