From nomadic tents to princely palaces, the rug trade has dotted the global landscape for millenia. The first rugs were used for warmth, comfort, prayer, and meditation; they served a purpose. The Pazyryk Carpet confirms this ancient tradition. Dated to approximately 500 BCE and preserved in frozen soil in Siberia, it is the oldest surviving piled rug. It was unearthed in 1949 among the remains and belongings of a distinguished member of the nomadic Pazyryk tribe. Housed at the Hemitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Pazyryk Carpet features patterns reminiscent of Persian architecture and artifacts with mellowed yet exquisite hues of red, green, and gold. The splendor of this magnificent textile hasn’t diminished in the 2,500 years since its creation.
Our place and time in history dictates a rug’s primary use. Between the 11th and 18th century in many parts of Europe, Oriental rugs were deemed too fine to walk atop. Europeans at this time preferred to display their carpets as table covers or wall hangings. Palaces, of course, were an exception. Beautiful Aubusson carpets adorned the floors of splendid French palaces.
Today, one only has to look at the myriad colors, patterns, and textures of fine hand-knotted rugs to see that they satisfy both functional and decorative pursuits. They embody the very essence of art, in addition to providing warmth and comfort. They are alluring yet soothing. Delicate yet enduring and contemporary yet timeless. At Dallas Rugs, we are dedicated to honoring the rug traditions of the past while simultaneously embracing the newest trends in color, style, material, and production. We invite you to join us as we explore the evolution of the rug industry.
Welcome to Fine Art Underfoot, a space dedicated to the artistic beauty of rugs and carpets.