Oushak Handwoven Transitional Rug, J72982

Originating from India, this Oushak rug exemplifies a transitional style seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary design elements. This particular rug features a beige background with a teal border, creating a subtle yet sophisticated color palette that enhances its versatile appeal. The main color, beige, is prevalent throughout, lending the piece a neutral yet warm tone, ideally suited for various decor settings.

Crafted from wool on a cotton foundation, the rug is woven using an asymmetrical Persian-type knot, a technique that has been a hallmark of weaving in the state of Rajasthan for centuries. The wool used is a sophisticated blend of Ghazni wool, imported from Afghanistan, and South African wool, adding to the rug's texture and durability. The final washing and various finishing processes are meticulously carried out in Jaipur, ensuring a high-quality finish.

Chromium dyes are applied for their color accuracy and lightfastness, especially beneficial for custom orders. The numerous finishing touches, including an extra antique finish, contribute to the rug's vintage, worn, and weathered look. The wool undergoes these processes to achieve a ribbed texture, resulting in a more intricate and artisanal appearance.

This Oushak rug’s weaving process involves smaller contractors who distribute designs and pre-dyed, hand-spun wools to several villages, some located as far west as Bikaner. These weavers, mostly working from their homes, are paid by the square meter for their work. Rugs wider than ten feet are typically contracted to villages with stationary horizontal looms, capable of handling more extensive production requirements.

The foundation of the rug features a double wefted, heavily packed construction. The lower weft is composed of dense, thick cotton with up to ten plys, while the upper weft, made of finer, pure white cotton yarns, is threaded looser. This method allows the brighter white threads to become visible once the rug is sheared down, mimicking the worn appearance of genuine antiques.

Visually, the rug offers a traditional yet understated design. The central medallion, rich in floral and geometric elements, serves as the focal point. This motif is surrounded by symmetrical floral representations, leaves, and abstract shapes that blend harmoniously. The color palette is muted, featuring shades of beige, grey, and pastel hues. Light blue, soft yellow, and pale green accent the central medallion and certain decorative elements, providing subtle color contrasts without overshadowing the primary tones.

The border, defined and more densely patterned, echoes the central design motifs in a linear arrangement. Slightly darker than the central field, the border employs deeper shades of beige and light grey, emphasizing the rug's intricate details. The highly symmetrical design along both axes bestows a balanced and harmonious appearance, where mirrored motifs on each side of the central medallion and at either end further reinforce this symmetry.

With a density of 104 knots per square inch, this rug totals approximately 821,361 individually hand-tied knots, illustrating the intricacy and craftsmanship involved in its creation.