Karastan Rug Mills introduced machine-made Oriental rugs to America. Nestled among my stack of rug books is a booklet from the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair. It was a promotional piece for Karastan Rug Mills to publicize their entry The “Wonder Rug of America,” a machine-made Oriental reproduction. I came upon it the other day and as I started flipping the pages, I found … [Read more...]
Washed and Painted Rugs
Painted Oriental rugs can be seen at a glance -- different colors back and front. Painted Oriental rugs date from the early 20th century. The practice of altering colors in Oriental rugs by using chemicals began during the economic boom of the 1920s. This was a time when newly rich Americans began buying rugs in earnest from Persia and Turkey. The altered colors somehow made … [Read more...]