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Archive for April, 2009

Karastan Rugs Showcased at Greenspiration Home

KARASTAN RUGS ADD ECO-FRIENDLY TO GREENSPIRATION HOME

GREENSBORO, NC, April 15, 2009 - Greenspiration Home, a showcase home for modern eco-friendly building practices in Greensboro, NC prefered the rugs to be locally manufactured and be at harmony with an established palette of earth-inspired colors. Karastan was, naturally, a perfect choice.

As serene and tranquil as a summer sky, Karastans Sereno pattern combines elements from an early 20th century Sultanabad carpet in a flowing arrangement that settles gently into the subtle ombre of the cerulean blue ground.

As serene and tranquil as a summer sky, Karastan's Sereno pattern combines elements from an early 20th century Sultanabad carpet in a flowing arrangement that settles gently into the subtle ombre of the cerulean blue ground.

Beautiful Karastan rugs, four of them, are featured in the Greenspiration Home, which was open to visitors during the High Point Market in April. Here are the four area rugs showcased:

From the Original Karastan collection:
Sereno graces the dining room with a serene composition of rosettes, palmettes and flowering vines, on a cerulean blue ground with accents of peridot, amber and citrine. The design of this rug was inspired by an early 20th century Sultanabad carpet.

From the Ashara collection:
Ravenna, a classic sensibility with an updated color scheme in the family room. Accented in distinctive shades of amber, putty, maize and cherry red, its exotic, large-scale motifs “pop” against an open, rich brown background. Its airy design complements both traditional and more modern decors.

From the Sierra Mar collection:
Capri–Maize, provides a lovely foundation for the master bedroom. A relaxed study in cream and maize with taupe and garnet accents, the rug also features yarns that have been specially twisted and space-dyed to create unique color “stria” reminiscent of fine hand-woven Peshawar rugs from Pakistan and India.

From the Shapura collection:

Athena, which also draws inspiration from Peshawar rugs, outfits the home office. Its autumnal palette and distinctive design establish a luxurious ambience for this cozy workspace.

All these area rugs are woven in nearby Eden, NC, of 100% high quality New Zealand wool, a renewable resource produced using farming techniques that carefully preserve the health and beauty of the land for future generations.

“Given Karastan’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, we’re thrilled to be part of the Greenspiration Home project, which demonstrates that a true commitment to green living is increasingly within everyone’s reach,” said Connie Berry, director of marketing at Karastan. “Our rugs artfully exemplify that being environmentally friendly and beautiful are not mutually exclusive, an idea that is fundamental to the mission of the Greenspiration Home.”

Greenspiration Home owner Trish Holder agrees, writing in her online notes about the project, “Karastan takes sustainability seriously. Wool is naturally durable (and stain resistant!). Thanks to Karastan, we have successfully found beautiful, eco-friendly and local area rugs to help warm up nearly 3000 square feet of wood floors.”

All the Karastan rugs in the Greespiration Home are Axminster woven rugs, which perform beautifully for 20–30 years or longer. Since the weave of a Karastan Axminster rug is inherently strong, the need for a secondary backing is eliminated in most Karastan woven rugs which saves the energy and raw materials required to produce a typical latex backing. Wool is not only has renewable and biodegradable qualities, it is naturally resistant to dirt and soiling and it is fire retardant. ISO 14001 companies make environmentalism a priority and constantly strive to find better and more efficient ways of meeting their eco-goals. Karastan’s rug manufacturing plant in Eden, NC, is an ISO 14001 certified facility. Karastan strives to continue to create magnificent rugs while considering our planet’s much needed care and help preserving its beauty and health for future generations.

Don’t miss Karastan Sale at Area Rugs Club!

Posted on April 17th, 2009 under Area Rugs, In the News, Karastan. Tags: , , , , . Comments: None

War Rugs

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WAR RUGS

The war rug culture of Afghanistan has its origins from the time of Russian (former USSR) occupation of Afghanistan from 1979, and has continued through the continuous military, political and social conflicts. Afghan rug-weavers began designing the war rugs almost immediately after the Russians invaded their country.

As a form of protest Afghan women began weaving these rugs featuring different aspects of the war. They used these woven blogs, if you will, to pass on their stories to the world and future generations.

As a form of protest Afghan women began weaving these rugs featuring different aspects of the war. They used these woven blogs, if you will, to pass on their stories to the world and future generations.

War rugs are traditional Persian or Oriental rugs depicting war related images, such as helicopters, tanks, guns, etc. They come from, primarily, Afghanistan and were first woven around 1979. However, some would rightfully argue that original “war rugs” are old Persian rugs depicting the battles with men on horseback and swords. Yes, the war rugs’ designs change accordingly with war weapons of the time.

These area rugs are also made of traditional fibers such as wool, silk and cotton. They have intricate designs, bright patterns with bold colors.

At first glance they look like the area rugs woven for hundreds of years by the tribal peoples of Afghanistan. But instead of traditional motifs such as floral patterns, abstract designs, these rugs feature tanks, helicopters, jets, hand grenades and AK-47 assault rifles.

Men on horseback with swords in their hand had been the nearest significant image relating to the war found on tribal rugs. But the invasion by the Russians gave Afghans an abrupt familiarity to modern warfare. As Afghan men went to the battlefield to fight, women (for nearly all rugs are woven by women) began weaving these area rugs. Due to the total chaos and downfall of the socio-economic conditions, and also due to the violence faced in their daily lives, the women were confined to their houses. As a form of protest they began weaving these rugs featuring different aspects of the war and started one of the first woven blogs, if you will, to pass on their stories to the world and future generations.

Initially the patterns and images were subdued and hidden. But as the war progressed, the patterns became bold and the designs more distinguished. One could easily identify particular guns such as AK-47s, Kalashnikov rifles, and automatic pistols.

The war rugs’ modern form shows the collapse of the World Trade Center, and many Americans find it depressing. After 9/11, Afghan weavers began to depict the attacks with minute precision.

Although the first war rugs that came into the market did not find any popularity among the collectors, presently they have become more acceptable and popular due to their traditional color combination, fine weaving and historical details.

External Source: Oriental Rugs

Posted on April 16th, 2009 under Area Rugs. Tags: , , , . Comments: None