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

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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.