MAKING OF RUGS

In the realm of luxury oriental rugs, few creations can match the exquisite artistry and cultural significance of Kashmiri rugs.

These handcrafted masterpieces, painstakingly woven in the breathtaking Kashmir Valley of India, are celebrated for their timeless beauty and intricate designs.

The opulence of these ultra-luxury rugs are what makes them unique and we have been crafting these for over 30 years to global and international clients.

Discover the allure of luxury with our exclusive collection of ten distinct and unique types of Kashmiri carpets, available at our Mumbai-based showroom in the World Trade Centre. Elevate your space with the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of these exquisite floor coverings.

In this article, we embark on a journey through the world of handmade and hand-knotted Kashmir rugs, exploring the history, craftsmanship, and enduring allure that make them true treasures.

Living room luxury rugs are the epitome of elegance and comfort, transforming a simple space into a lavish sanctuary of style and sophistication.

The Intricate Process

The Art of Hand-Knotting: A Labor of Love: 

At the heart of Kashmiri rug craftsmanship lies the intricate process of hand-knotting. Each rug is meticulously woven by skilled artisans, a tradition passed down through generations.

The process begins with the selection of the finest materials: high-quality wool or silk for the pile, and a sturdy cotton foundation.

The weavers then create the design on graph paper, which serves as their guide.

Unlike machine-made rugs, where patterns are digitally generated, Kashmiri rugs are a testament to the human touch. Weavers tie each knot by hand, with precision and care.

The knot density is a crucial factor in determining the rug’s quality, with higher knot counts indicating a finer and more intricate design.

The amount of time and labor invested in hand-knotting a Kashmir rug is staggering. It’s not uncommon for a skilled weaver to spend months, or even years, working on a single rug.

The fusion of artistic craftsmanship and opulence defines luxury rugs, where every thread is a stroke of creativity, and each rug a masterpiece that adorns your space with timeless allure.

These luxury rugs are ideal for bespoke homes and even for the collectors.

This labor-intensive process ensures that each rug is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with no two rugs being exactly alike.

The Timeless Designs of Kashmiri Rugs:

Kashmiri rugs are known for their intricate and mesmerizing designs.

The patterns often draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the region, featuring motifs like paisleys, florals, and intricate geometrics.

These designs are not merely decorative; they often carry symbolic meaning, reflecting the weaver’s personal story or the cultural history of Kashmir.

The color palette of Kashmiri rugs is equally captivating.

Rich, vibrant hues are meticulously chosen to complement the design and create a harmonious visual experience.

The dyes used are typically derived from natural sources, ensuring that the colors remain vivid and fade-resistant over time.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism:

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Kashmiri rugs hold deep cultural and symbolic significance. They are often considered heirlooms, passed down through generations as a symbol of heritage and tradition.

In Kashmiri culture, the act of gifting a handmade rug is a gesture of great respect and affection.

Some designs feature intricate medallions or motifs that carry specific meanings. For example, the “boteh,” a teardrop-shaped motif resembling a paisley, is said to symbolize fertility and life. Understanding the symbolism behind these designs adds an extra layer of appreciation for the artistry woven into each rug.

Enduring Allure and Investment Value:

Kashmiri rugs are not just decorative pieces; they are investments in both art and history. Their enduring allure and exceptional quality mean that they appreciate value over time. Collectors and connoisseurs worldwide seek these rugs for their rarity and craftsmanship.

Owning a Kashmiri rug is akin to possessing a piece of history and culture. It is a constant reminder of the skilled artisans who poured their heart and soul into its creation and a connection to the centuries-old tradition of rug-making in the Kashmir Valley.

Caring for Your Kashmiri Rug:

Given their exquisite nature, caring for a Kashmiri rug is essential to preserve its beauty for generations to come. Regular maintenance includes gentle vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.

We provide complete professional cleaning of your rugs at your home or at our showroom.

To prevent fading, it’s advisable to avoid placing the rug in direct sunlight. In case of spills or stains, prompt blotting with a clean, dry cloth and seeking professional assistance, if needed, is crucial.

Kashmir Chain Stitch Handmade Rugs

Kashmir is a beautiful land of impeccable arts and crafts. One of the finest and enchanting handicrafts of Kashmir is the Chain Stitch embroidery which is locally popular as crewel embroidery (Aari Kaem). Though there is a slight difference in the two, these names are however alternately used in the local trade.

Chain stitch is done by a hook, locally known as Aari, on white backgrounds. The aari/hook covers a much larger area than needle work in the same amount of time. This embroider is done from one point and rotates around to create an embossed effect on the upholstery and drapery.

Crewel is basically similar to chain stitch. It is also chain stitch done on white background, but here the motifs, mainly stylized flowers, do not cover the entire surface, and the background is not embroidered up completely. Some background space is left as such to create an appealing look.

Coming back to our Chain Stitch, these patterns are highly aesthetic with beautiful colors and motifs being used in them, which are engrossing to the human eye. This beautiful form of embroidery is done by skilled locals of Kashmir to add richness to the textile and is done with wool and on tightly woven fabrics like linen and cotton. Chain Stitch will transform any simple texture to the silkiest texture that has an awe-inspiring luster and feels even better than silk. The chain stitch is mainly in the form of flower motifs embossed on the white colored fabric that offers a calm and rich look to the curtains and other furnishing, especially the gorgeous rugs that are a manifestation of this beautiful and skilful art.

A Brief History:

Crewel got its name from wool which is the yarn being used for the crewel embroidery. Some sources also reveal that the name crewel was derived from the word “Krua” or “Clew” which means a ball of yarn. There are different beliefs about Crewel embroidery getting its name but all the sources reveals that it has something to do with yarn. This technique has very rich history dating back to around 1st Century BC. The art got its fame and recognition only in 16th and 17th century. Later on many different embroidery styles emerged and many of them found their place in India and abroad but the popularity of Crewel and chain stitch didn’t fade at all. The crewel embroidery in earlier times was done only with wool and the fabric used was linen but later on many other yarns like silk and fabrics like cotton and wool were involved in the crewel embroidery.

Chain Stitch Handmade Rugs: Kashmiri Handmade Rugs done in the chain stitch pattern are brilliance unparalleled. These chain stitch patterned rugs are in great demand all over the world because of the high quality of embroidery done on them. These exquisite pieces of art are also used as wall hangings to impart an artistic appeal to the walls. As beautiful and impressive these rugs look, the process that is undertaken to finish them is equally appealing.

The white colored fabric used traditionally for this embroidery is first washed and ironed to get an even surface on the fabric and also to avoid any shrinkage in future.

The design for embroidery is then printed on the fabric before starting any needle work. The design is screen printed on the fabric and many other stencil printing techniques are also used now. The temporary printing on the fabric can also be done with a pricking method where the dotted outline is formed by pricking through the design printed on the paper.

Once the design is fixed, the crewel embroidery is carried out from centre to the outline to form velvet like finish.

The frame or hoop is the prime requirement for this kind of embroidery as it tightens the fabric. This embroidery may be required to be done with both the hands and hence a large rectangular frame is used for large piece of work. These rectangular frames are the part of the furniture for any Kashmiri household.

Chain Stitch Design Patterns

Chain stitch is done in long flowing designs. The designs range from floral patterns to animals and human forms traced by designers while the craftsman embroidery is in two-ply or three-ply yarns. Silk yarn is also used in the embroidery and the rug looks like a carpet in which the pile is substituted by the texture. Beautiful floral motifs, small and enlarged, mystic birds and colorful butterflies all inspire the artisan’s cult.

Chain stitch rugs are used both as floor covering and wall hanging. These handmade rugs come in the size 2×3, 3×5, 6×4, 8×12, and 9×12 feet.

The craft is also available on Bedspreads, Cushion Covers, Throws, Shams, Curtain Drops, and Duvet/Quilt Covers in various sizes ranging from single to king size.

As one of the most celebrated traditional handicrafts of Kashmir, chain stitch and crewel embroidery, whether it is done on cotton, wool or linen upholsteries and tapestries is trending throughout the world. During the past 60 years, crewel-embroidered fabric has become an integral part of decorative home textile collections in upscale interior design showrooms globally.

Conclusion:

In the world of luxury oriental rugs, handmade and hand-knotted Kashmir rugs stand as paragons of artistry and cultural significance.

From the breathtaking landscapes of the Kashmir Valley to the skilled hands of master weavers, these rugs embody the spirit of tradition, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty.

Each rug is not just a floor covering; it’s a masterpiece, a piece of history, and a testament to the human touch in an age of automation.

Owning a Kashmiri rug is to own a work of art, a symbol of heritage, and a treasure that will continue to enchant and appreciate in value for generations to come.

Please call our Customer Care for any query. (9am to 6pm) +91 9463 777 888 or write @ info@albasir.in.

LAST UPDATED: By SHAFIA  / 07-05-2024,