Serapi Handwoven Transitional Rug, J71370

This Indian rug features a Serapi design in a transitional style. The background is a distinctive pistachio color, paired harmoniously with a nutmeg-colored border. The overall main color is green. Constructed from wool on a cotton foundation, this rug has been recently woven, adhering to traditional methods while applying modern techniques for a unique finish.

The rug undergoes its final washing and multiple finishing processes in Jaipur, a city renowned for its craftsmanship in rug production. Chromium dyes are utilized for their color accuracy, light fastness, and consistency, especially beneficial for custom orders and the extra antique finishing these rugs undergo. Production involves smaller contractors who distribute designs and pre-dyed, hand-spun wools to weavers based primarily in villages outside Jaipur, with some as far as Bikaner. The weaving is generally done in the artisans' homes, with larger rugs typically produced on stationary horizontal looms found in specific villages. All Rajasthan rugs employ asymmetrical Persian type knots, contributing to their distinctive ribbed texture.

The wool used is a blend of Ghazni wool, imported from Afghanistan, and South African wool. The foundation consists of a double weft, with a thick bottom weft made up of dense cotton up to 10 plies. The second, finer upper weft is loosely woven through the warps, making the pure white yarn visible after shearing, similar to how antique rugs wear down over time to show their cotton foundation. The white speckles provide an added layer of texture, contributing to the lighter appearance of the rug.

The designs on this rug are inspired by antique Persian and Khotanese carpets, with a mix of traditional and modern colorations. It features 104 knots per square inch, amounting to a total of 806,296 individually hand-tied knots, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship involved.

Visually, this rug showcases a muted, soft color palette with light pastel hues such as beige, light blue, and pale green. Darker accents in brown and black highlight specific pattern areas. The intricate, traditional pattern includes geometric shapes, floral motifs, and symmetrical designs. A prominent central medallion, hexagonal in shape with stepped, zigzag edges, features intricate square designs with geometric and floral patterns within.

The rug's borders are detailed, with the outermost layer being the widest and featuring a repeating pattern of small floral motifs. Thinner internal lines include smaller geometric or floral elements, adding to the border complexity. The overall design is highly symmetrical, mirroring patterns along both vertical and horizontal axes for a balanced appearance. The pattern density varies, with the central medallion being especially detailed and the surrounding areas less densely patterned.