All of these carpets started on their journeys in a similar manner, warps strung on a loom and the wefts woven over and under those warps. While the styles and weavers are unique, the process follows a familiar pattern. Every row of weaving, each flower, figure or other design element is completed in the same fashion. One knot tied, one by one, one after another. The weaving process can take months to complete, and in instances of large and/or complex rugs, years. They are cut off of the loom, finished and washed. Some are sold, or they may have been traded for goods not readily available to the weavers and their families. Then they journey, to a regional trading town, or to one of the major points of export. The travels begin and for many carpets the distance is far, crossing the borders of many countries and even across the oceans to lands a great distance from home. Merchants arrive on the scene, they barter and purchase, display these rugs in their shops and emporiums, until a client sees in a carpet, a desire met, an image of this one carpet in their home. Another purchase, this time the journey is more than likely a shorter one.
It may stay in place for years, the dining room, a hall or entry. How many feet have crossed the surface, meals been served and note taken of the deep blue of the border. Over time this may occur many times, in several homes. And in each part, there is some loss, a lowering of the pile, wear. And likewise, some gain, a patina on the wool, a reveal of the knot itself. If you appreciate the evidence of these lives and journeys, than we invite you to see what we have in Worthy and Worn, adding your story to those that came before.
