The carpet has been used as a stylish decoration for homes since ancient times. It is one of the oldest inventions of man. Even in ancient Greece and ancient Rome almost every woman had the necessary skills to make a beautiful carpet with her own hands. In the Middle Ages this tradition was lost, but on the other hand the art of woven tapestries was preserved. These pieces were used for decoration on the walls and floors of stone castles. They represented whole paintings with complex compositions of heraldic motifs and military scenes.

Asian peoples in countries with sharply continental climate have made both woolen and silk carpets. For bedouins carpets were indispensable item, they were not considered a luxury. They placed them on the floor and hanged them on the wall in order to keep the warmth inside the room. There were many different ways to make a wool carpet. Every village had its decorative preferences and equipment for manufacturing these pieces. Gradually the quantity and quality of the carpets were considered a main factor to determine the wealth of the people. At that time, carpets were inherited, and the wealthy farmers ordered their carpets at artists and carpets became a work of art.

In medieval Europe, Eastern carpets have appeared in the castles of the barons and dukes with returning crusaders in Asia. The richest and most magnificent specimens were hung in the royal quarters. Since that period starts fascination with Persian carpets.

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History of carpets

Ways of making carpets

There are two basic ways to make a beautiful carpet - handmade and machined. Hand-woven carpet is a work of art. Such carpets are expensive and are evaluated in the auctions, depending on the time and place of manufacture. The age of the carpet may be 300 years. The older the carpet is, the more expensive it will be.

Materials for making carpets are various - wool, linen, silk, cotton and polypropylene can be used for that purpose. One of the most expensive carpets are those made of silk.

Ways of making carpets
Origin of the carpets

Origin of the carpets

Historical origin of the carpets is unclear. The material from which they are produced is perishable and that is why it is impossible to trace the origins and evolutionary development of carpets and rugs over the centuries. The oldest carpet, preserved in good condition, was found in 1947. The Russian archaeologist Rudenko found that piece in a tomb of a Scythian prince, located in the valley Pazalak mountain Altai, southern Siberia. This carpet dates from the 5th century BC.

However, all historians share the same opinion that the carpet has its origins in Central Asia more than 8 thousand years ago and is mostly associated with the nomadic culture of the people who lived in these lands. Carpets had many different purposes - they were used for making saddles of horses, bags, swings for children. Also, they used the as a wall decoration. In the beginning, carpets were created to meet a vital need and amenities. Later, people began making carpets in various shapes and motifs, the material were painted with grasses and herbs. Carpets were regarded as an art, that developed their cultural significance. Moving in different directions and communicating with different tribes and cultures, nomadic tribes spread authentic technology for the production of carpets in almost all of Asia - from Siberia to India.

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Persian carpets

Persian carpets - not just a part of the decor

Persian carpets originate from Persia, which in 1925 was called Iran. They are famous with its high quality and ancient manual methods of production. In the late forties the Soviet archaeologist J. S. Rudenko discovered in Mongolia a Persian carpet, which dates from the 5th century before Christ.

Persian carpets should be cleaned regularly and carefully in order not to damage them. You need to remove the dirt from them with a brush or a vacuum cleaner. When you are cleaning a Persian carpet the most important rule to follow is to use a liquid shampoo and to avoid foaming that may be stuck in it. Once every five years a professional carpet cleaner should review it and cleaned it thoroughly. In case of spots on the Persian carpet make sure that the carpet has a very nice colour before using soap and water or soda water to remove these stains.

Fringes and edges on Persian carpets are vulnerable. You should not leave them ruffled or frayed because they will be destroyed if you don't take care of them. In case of holes and ruptures on your beautiful piece, immediately refer to a restorer who specializes in the restoration of Persian carpets. Poorly trained dogs and cats are one of the fiercest pests of Persian carpets. The other thing that can damage the carpet is placing too heavy furniture on it.