Moroccan Rugs
Moroccan Rugs & Carpets Guide
Moroccan Style Rugs
Handwoven Moroccan rugs have been in existence for centuries. The historically nomadic people used them for sleeping, self-adornment, burial shrouds, or as saddle blankets. The process of making a Moroccan rug by hand takes a considerable amount of time and skill, which is why they hold such high value to those who invest in them.
Origins & Influences
Although Moroccan rugs are used ceremoniously, they originally served a utilitarian purpose. Some were used strictly in mountain landscapes and were therefore made thick with a heavy pile, while others were reserved for tribes in desert regions and were flat and light. However, the most well-known type of Moroccan rugs are those from the Berber tribes. Without a standard written language, these rug were woven by women to tell a historic story through archaic symbolism. In addition to their historical significance, the great quality of these handmade rugs keeps them highly sought after all over the world.
Materials & Style of the Moroccan Rug
Not following any particular rules, Moroccan carpets suit many decor preferences. The designs range from orderly and patterned geometric shapes to free-flowing expressive patterns. Color schemes include everything from neutral tones to boldly dyed wool. Moroccan rugs gained popularity in Mid-Century Modern design as they were paired with sleek furniture, creating a timeless contrast repeated in homes everywhere. Their primitive nature appeals to modern decorators because they provide a direct contrast to the mass manufactured furniture found in stores and online today.
Examples:
Moroccan Carpet 19th century
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 14ft. 5in. by 6ft. 10in. (4.39 by 2.08m.)
DESCRIPTION
Late 19th century
Condition Note: oxidized browns, foldwear, minor partial ends, glued strips on reverse.
Moroccan Chechaouen Silk Embroidery 18th century
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 1ft. 10in. by 1ft. 10in. (0.56 by 0.56m.)
DESCRIPTION
18th century natural linen ground, appliquéd on beige linen, losses to silk embroidery and linen ground.
Country of Origin: Morocco
Date of Origin 20th Century
Moroccan Rug
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 6ft. 3in. by 4ft. 2in. (1.90 by 1.27m.)
Country of Origin: Morocco
Date of Origin 20th Century
Moroccan Carpet mid-20th C
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 14 ft. 10 in. by 11 ft. 10 in.
Alternate measurements
4.52 m by 3.61 m
DESCRIPTION
Mid-20th century.
Moroccan Metal Thread Tomb Cover Early 19th C
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 177 by 149cm., 5ft. 9in. by 4ft. 11in.
DESCRIPTION
Early 19th century
Heavily embroidered in gilt metal thread wrapped yellow silk over a leather(?) padding, with inscriptions, the inscriptions as follows:
Two small roundels: The shahada
Roundel in the half roundel : Qur’an surat al-saff (LXI) parts of 13
Border of the half roundel : possibly : The Emir completed the tomb for ‘Abd al-Qadir al-‘Ilmi
Two rectangular cartouches: parts of a prayer
The seal Kufic in the large roundel: ‘Blessing of Muhammad’
The border of the large roundel: Qur’an surah Yunus (X), 62-64, followed by a short prayer.
Moroccan Rug Circa 1900
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 6ft. 7in. by 3ft. 11in. (2.01 by 1.19m.)
DESCRIPTION
Circa 1900 the midnight blue herati-filled field within a light green turtle palmette, leaf and vine border, oxidized charcoals, overcast sides, glue residue on reverse.