1970s Rugs and Carpets

The carpet is beautifully drawn with an all over 'mille fleur' design on a indigo blue background. The flowers are in a range of soft pastel colours giving...

Soumak rugs (also spelled Sumak) – This construction technique produces a flat-weave rug that is thick, strong and exceptionally durable. Unlike kilims, Soumak rugs are not reversible because non-clipped yarns are left on the back. However, they are also stronger than kilims. Antique Soumak carpets are unique because the wefts are used to produce decorative patterns rather than as a structural element. Antique Soumak rugs are generally very finely woven and feature richly detailed motifs. Traditionally, these spectacular flat-weave carpets are decorated with ancient symbols, tiny birds and geometric animals. Many of these geometric patterns and tribal symbols are associated with the Shahsavan tribe. In the 17th century, these influential warriors served as the personal bodyguards to Shah Abbas according to historic legends. The Shahsavan, who used Soumak weaving techniques widely, inhabited modern-day Azerbaijan and parts of Northwest Persia near Ardabil. Because Soumak rugs were woven in various carpet producing regions, the designs they feature are exceptionally diverse. Although they are fairly rare compared to pile carpets and traditional kilims, antique Soumak rugs feature grand medallions, finely executed repeating patterns, Persian garden designs and tribal motifs that are surrounded by multiple sets of richly detailed borders. Antique Soumak rugs make outstanding floor coverings, but the technique was also used to construct bags, trappings, saddle covers, decorative bed spreads and functional household items. Like other regional handicrafts, antique Soumak rugs are highly decorative and diverse textile pieces that flatter modern furnishings and soften minimalist interiors very well. Soumak or Sumak is a type of brocading or flat-woven pile. Thicker than a kilim carpet, it is accomplished by looping the yarn horizontally around successive pairs of warps in between passes of over-under wefting. When compressed vertically with a weaver’s comb, the resultant texture looks like cabling rising slightly from the surface of the rug. Soumak is named for the village of Shemaka in the Caucasus where this technique was widely practiced, but it certainly was not invented there. Soumak has been practiced extensively across the antique rug producing world, from Central Asia to Iran, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Antique Soumak Weave Techniques: Soumak Weave – The art of fine rug weaving and making is ancient and complex. Over the centuries, a myriad of disparate cultures, from every corner of the globe, have developed methods of creating tight, long-lasting weaves, such as rugs, carpets, and kilims. As such, there is no singular, universal method for creating a fine weave; rather, there are several different, totally distinctive weaving techniques. These techniques and approaches have been developed over time and that are unique to the area, tribe and or people. One specific example of a type of weave that was developed and is still used to this day is the Soumak weave. The widespread adaptation of the Soumak weave by such a wide range of different rug-producing cultures is certainly a rather strong testament to the quality and “reproducibility” of the process — cornerstones of any long-lasted artistic technique. One of the most familiar types of antique weaving from the Caucasus region is the Soumak. These were produced in a wide array of designs, but generally they are typified by a crisp, precise drawing applied to highly abstract or stylized geometric patterns, using a rich and varied palette. In technical terms, Soumaks are flatwoven rugs. Their technique is related to that of kilims, but it is somewhat more complex, thicker in handle, and more durable as floor covering. As opposed to Kilim technique which consists of compacted weft facing simply running over and under the vertical wraps, Soumak weave runs the yarns around the warps in a serpentine pattern, over two, back one, over two back one, and so forth. The rows of this yarn facing or brocading are then separated by wefts like the rows of knots in pile carpets. The origin of this technique is hard to pinpoint, but it is attested literally from one end of the rug-producing world to the other. The term Soumak is apparently a corruption of the name Shemaka, a town in the Shirvan region of the Caucasus, where such rugs, it is often claimed, were made. However Soumaks were made in various areas of the Caucasus and the region north of Kuba seems to have been a major center of their production. Caucasian Soumaks have a very interesting design repertory, with a number of distinct types or groups. From the perspective of carpet history, the most interesting group is the one that utilizes field designs of large polygonal medallions, often in the shape of diamonds or stars. These tend to be modeled on early Turkish pile carpets, especially those of the so-called “small pattern Holbein” and “large pattern Holbein” types produced in Western Turkey during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A key feature of the Holbein rugs is the use of small squares with horn-like hooked pairs as fillers in the indentations along the edge of the main medallions. Caucasian Soumaks of this type reproduce even these details with remarkable consistency and fidelity. The various smaller motifs used as space fillers seem to come from the common tribal repertory behind most Caucasian and Turkish rugs. The borders of Caucasian Soumaks tend to be made up of small geometric medallions or stylized rosettes, although they can be surprising, as on the example shown here which is adapted from kilim designs. A second major group of Caucasian Soumaks have allover field designs made up of smaller medallions arranged closely in staggered repetition. Some of these which have multi-pointed star-like configuration (the so-called Crivelli-Star) also come from the repertory of early Turkish rugs. But the oval medallions with undulating edges are floral palmettes of classical Persian derivation. Despite the varied origins of the design elements, the Soumaks of this group still convey considerable stylistic homogeneity or integrity. The borders of this second group are much the same as those of the first, although the example shown here has a highly unusual border that derives once again from early Turkish rugs. A third group of Caucasian Soumaks stems from more local traditions. Known as “Dragon Soumaks...

This rug is a hand-knotted Persian Tabriz rug with a great quality. Tabriz is one of the oldest rug weaving centers and makes a huge diversity of types of rugs. This rug features has...

Beautiful vintage Khotan rug with a blue field. This rug has a tribal-designed frame with multicolor accents in a gorgeous geometric design. This rug measures 6'10" x 9'7".

Vintage Iranian Handwoven Flatweave Rug Introduce timeless elegance to your home with this one-of-a-kind vintage Iranian flatweave rug, a masterpiece of craftsmanship with approxima...

Rya carpet with long fringes, Sweden. Modernist design. From the 1970s. In excellent condition. Dimensions: 168 cm with fringes x 91 cm.

This 4x6 vintage European tapestry is a rare and special new curation from Rug & Kilim—a signed mid-century original by artist MC Bertrand, handwoven in wool and originating from Fra...

:: Plain-weave kilim in landscape orientation bearing fun and upbeat light accents of bright shades lightly accenting across. Colors and shades include: Platinum, silver, beige, ivor...

:: Unidirectional germinating tree of life within a stepped main field with prayer overlay wrapped by multiple borders each with their own unique character of rainbow shaded geometri...

Vintage 1970s Turkish Anatolian runner rug. This piece has a light tan/beige field with a bright, multicolored tribal design (neon blue and pink accents throughout). Measures: 3 x 8.02.

This four-color Art Deco carpet was originally made for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in 1973 for a large refurbish the hotel went through after a fire broke out. It is a machine-made r...

This hand-loomed Tibetan wool blanket is a rare vintage piece. Its thick pile would have been used for sleeping on or under during the cold nights in the Himalayas. In Tibet, it woul...

Hand knotted in wool, a 9x12 Persian rug circa 1970-1980 - latest to join Rug & Kilim’s vintage selections. On the Design: The rug is overdyed and antique-washed for gorgeous satur...

This unique carpet by the Venetian artist and designer Renata Bonfanti is made of handwoven wool. Beautiful range in lilac and orange tones.    Labeled backside 'Renata Bonfanti. Lavinia. Copia n. 3. 6.12.62' Renata Bonfanti was a textile artist, she was influenced by the distinctive tenets of Bauhaus...

A vintage Persian Bakhtiari rug with a patchwork pattern depicting various trees, trees-of-life, and flowers, surrounded by a wide large-scale floral and vine pattern flanked by a pa...

This rug is an Afghan Rug which is a workshop carpet woven by a weaving house in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has a rich history in the craft of rug-making. The design in this piece is t...

Vintage 1970s Turkish Anatolian runner rug. This piece has a thin, white border, brown field, and a bright, multicolored tribal design. Measures 2.02 x 11.

Questo tappeto ispirato dall’arte di Sonia Delaunay, celebre per le sue composizioni geometriche e il suo uso innovativo del colore. Presenta un design astratto e dinamico, caratter...

Linen Ivory, Vintage Persian Esfahan, 400 KPSI, Good Condition, Clean, Soft and Pliable, Hand Knotted, Wool and Silk on Silk Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pil...

This rug is a hand-knotted Persian Tabriz rug with a great quality. Tabriz is one of the oldest rug weaving centers and makes a huge diversity of types of rugs. This rug features has...

In this listing you will find an extra large Mid Century Modern area rug by Teppich Siegel. The rug features a stark geometric pattern in dark blue and red wool, which is a rather ra...

This hand-loomed Tibetan wool blanket is a rare vintage piece. Its thick pile would have been used for sleeping on or under during the cold nights in the Himalayas. In Tibet, it woul...

Enhance your space with the 10x13 Vintage Distressed Overdyed Area Rug, a unique piece that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern style. Hand-knotted from premium wool, this...

924 - Very beautiful early twentieth carpet with a decorative design and beautiful colors with yellow, blue, green, red and pink and green, entirely hand-knotted with wool velvet on ...

Beautiful wool rug made in Italy circa 1970s. Perfect for enhancing a living room, full Spage Age style in vogue in Italy in the 1970s. Excellent condition,only small signs of time,n...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 9x11 vintage Tabriz rug represents a distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—an exemplar of...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 9x12 vintage Tabriz rug represents a distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—an exemplar of ...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 5x8 vintage Persian Tabriz rug represents a truly distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—an ...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 9x12 vintage Persian Tabriz rug represents a truly distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—a...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 10x12 vintage Persian Tabriz rug represents a distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—an exem...

This 10x16 antique Persian rug represents one of the finest curations of the reputed Kerman provenance ever seen by Rug Kilim—a royal selection and exemplar of their quality, s...

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating circa 1970-1980, this 9x10 vintage Persian Tabriz rug represents a truly distinguished addition to Rug Kilim's vintage collection—an...

Handmade carpet Oriental rug featuring a traditional floral pattern woven in deep rich tones created by organic vegetable dyes on lamb wool, this little mat is perfect for any modern...

This hand-loomed Tibetan wool blanket is a rare vintage piece. Its thick pile would have been used for sleeping on or under during the cold nights in the Himalayas. In Tibet, it woul...

Elevate your space with the 9x12 Vintage Distressed Overdyed Area Rug, a one-of-a-kind piece that blends artistry, tradition, and timeless style. Expertly hand-knotted from premium w...

8x13 Vintage Distressed Overdyed Area Rug, a one-of-a-kind piece that brings elegance, sophistication, and timeless charm to your home. Hand-knotted from premium wool, this exquisit...

A flat-weave Kelim rugs, circa second half of 20th century. Labeled : Guaranteed Real Hand knotted Oriental Carpet, Kelim Kashmir. Size 9'-6" x 7'-4" . Just single rug currently ava...

From our new collection of overdyed rugs, a vintage 6x8 Persian rug originating circa 1970-1980. Hand knotted in wool. On the Design: The black field underscores rich red floral pa...

Enhance your space with the 10x12 Vintage Distressed Tabriz Area Rug, a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece that adds elegance, warmth, and timeless charm to your home. Hand-knotted from...

Mid-century wool rug ''Summertime'' collection by Louis de Poortere - Belgium 1970s.

This handmade rug originally from Kirman (Kerman) which are one of the traditional classifications of Persian rugs. This piece has wool pile with cotton foundation. The design is sem...

The rugs of the Beni Mguild tribe, located in the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountains, are woven with lanolin-rich wool and constructed in a particularly sturdy fashion. Here we see a si...

Artist carpet in virgin wool carpet and fantastic colors produced by Ateliers Ewald Kröner, Schloß Hackhausen. 100% wool carpet

Hand-knotted silk pile on a cotton foundation. Circa 1970 Dimensions: 6' x 9'1" Origin: Kashmir Condition: Excellent for its age Field Color: Dusty-Pink Border Color: Black Ac...

Reed Yellow, Vintage Persian Meshkin, Full Pile and Clean, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditiona...

51775, vintage Turkish Oushak rug, colorful rug for kitchen, bath, foyer or entryway. This hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug features a modern traditional style. Immersed ...

Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Carpet Röllakan Geometric Design in Shades of Brown, Sweden 1970s. Genuine Röllakan made of wool, hand-woven. Floral stylized decor garlands in a soft beig...

Bring elegance and timeless charm to your home with this vintage area rug, a true testament to traditional craftsmanship. Hand-knotted high-quality wool, this rug showcases an intri...

Handwoven in the Mut region of southern Turkey, this mid-century kilim features a bold, totem-like chain of hooked medallions—an eye-catching design often compared to Navajo weaving ...

This 5x8 vintage rug is one of a rare set of exceptional works curated by Rug & Kilim—each a unique marriage of mid-century Kilims and pile rugs by a respected Turkish atelier, circa...

Handwoven in the Mut region of southern Turkey, this mid-century kilim features the bold, stepped diamond medallions that have made Mut weavings famously comparable to Navajo textile...

Extremely Fine Turkish Silk Hereke Rug 2'10'' x 4'7''.

Vintage 1970s Moroccan Rabat Carpet ( 9' x 11'10" - 275 x 360 )

Enhance your space with this vintage area rug, a masterful example of traditional craftsmanship and timeless design. Hand-knotted from premium wool, this rug offers exceptional durab...

:: Allover covered field in geometric repeating shield medallion design motif arranged in three columns atop a covered field of floral top views and serpent inner and outer minor bor...

An incredible vintage Chinese silk rug with a beautiful bold floral pattern woven in crimson, rust, light and dark indigo, cream, and white colored v...

:: Covered field of floral blossoms, vines, palmettes, and serrated leaves. Very high knot count with the vertical knot count approximately 19, horizontal 23, knots per square inch a...

This hand-loomed Tibetan wool blanket is a rare vintage piece. Its thick pile would have been used for sleeping on or under during the cold nights in the Himalayas. In Tibet, it woul...

Entirely hand-knotted rug made by Italian artist Sandra Marconato (1927-2016), accompanied by its authentication. The work dates back to 1970 and was exhibited in the same year at th...

Handwoven in the Mut region of southern Turkey, this mid-century kilim showcases a striking arrangement of bow-tie motifs and a central stepped medallion — a layout that visually ech...