Rug Origins: Uzbek Rugs

Uzbek carpets are well-known products of Uzbekistan, carpet weaving is inseparably tied with other arts and crafts in the Uzbek tradition. In Uzbekistan almost all homes are decorated with rugs, some pieces even replace furniture and cover walls. Today, these will often be factory-made synthetic rugs, however, traditionally they would have been handwoven in each village locally. Each community produces its own distinctive style and were valued as much for their artistic qualities as for their functionality.

It is quite a challenge to describe the Uzbek Rug in a quick summary as their work is an artistic process. Many are imprinted with the ancient eastern: the cosmic blue, timberland greens, snowy mountain white, emeralds, pomegranates, lilacs, and hints of gold are combined with intricate patterns and variations. Ancient national sketches in the centers of carpet weaving you will find delicately preserved central Asian traditional symbolism.

There are three main types of carpet produced in Uzbekistan: felt mats, flat-woven carpets and pile or tufted carpets. It is difficult to pinpoint the timeline where pile carpets appeared. Marco Polo, who visited Central Asia in the 13th century, also spoke about the high quality of local products. Two centuries later, it is documented the Spanish ambassador at the court of Amir Temur, Rui Gonzalez de Clavijo colorfully labeled the “bright red carpets” that he saw in the Samarkand palaces and gardens.

The art of Uzbek carpet weaving was invented in ancient times. Uzbek carpet loom is an ancient variation of decorative art, found and praised in folklore, literary and historical classic work.