Antique Khotan Oriental Carpets 41839 |
The knotted pile carpet is certainly the most familiar type of rug to
western consumers. It is also the most luxurious or tactile form of rug,
providing a cushion or insulation as well as decorative floor covering. The
term knotting, however, is a misnomer for the most part. Most types of
knotted rugs are produced by looping short lengths of yarn around
successive pairs of warps in horizontal rows, and letting the excess wool
hang downward in a shaggy mass. These loops may be done in a few different
configurations. The rows of knots are followed by several passes of wefting
which pass through the warps as a foundation, binding the rug together, and
which also space out the rows of knots to keep them from becoming too dense.
The shaggy ends of the knots may be trimmed as the carpet is being woven, or
after it has been completed. This trimming creates the surface of the pile.
If left long, the pile is shaggy and fur-like. If clipped low, it is velvety
in texture. Low pile is better for intricate designs since changes in color
appear sharper and crisper. High or long pile has a fuzzier texture and
visual effect that works better for bolder, simpler large-scale designs. |
