Antique Tapestries Play Ball! katie merz x Kalaty What’s Looming
On The Cover | Kalaty
DESIGN TIME
RUGS
LAS VEGAS MARKET
WORLD MARKET CENTER
BUILDING C, SUITE 180
JULY 28TH - AUGUST 1ST
Book an Appointment
Trinity 69CXF in Gray/Rust
Rugs International
World Market Center Las Vegas, Building B - B433
July 28 - August 1, 2024
Harounian
Nepali Collection
Area Rugs
Broadloom
One-Of-A-Kinds
Featuring a combination of two qualities to create one unified design.
SUMMER 2024 – VOLUME XXVIII – ISSUE 1
VIVID IMAGINATION
RUG INSIDER Magazine is a quarterly publication which covers the rug and carpet industry with a focus on quality, design, and an eye toward the future.
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
PRINT ADVERTISING SALES
Peter Woodaman peter@ruginsider.com
C: 603 387 6477
V: 603 279 4938
DESIGNER
Cheryl Sivewright cheryl@ruginsider.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Cecile Corral cecile@cecilepr.com
Rodney Hakim rodney@pgny.com
Alex Milstein
Brian K. Robins
Jennifer Samad
InPerspective
27 DESIGN TIME
Learn how the area rug industry can better serve the “design side” as contributing editor, Brian K. Robins shares the insights of two interior designers.
Stylish floral motifs and “broken” designs are fused with modern fashion colorways to elevate the allure of each rug found in this exceptionally updated-traditional low-pile collection. Each rug in the Celine collection is meticulously hand-knotted using premium hand-spun wool yarns. kalaty.com
CELINE
Interior designer Kinsey Bagswell
SCAN TO SHOP
AVR01 | GREY
RUG FEATURED:
InFOCUS
39 SUMMERTIME BLUES
We’re in our blue period— paying tribute to one of the spectrum’s most beloved hues in an sea of styles. Design 39H0F Blue is from the shimmering blue world of Feizy’s Indio collection. Machine-made polypropylene & polyester feizy.com
In the SPOTLIGHT
76 PLAY BALL!
Kalaty expands its successful artist-designed collection SPORTSGLYPHS by Katie Merz See the full collection and meet the artist at the upcoming Las Vegas summer market.
Insider’s View
25 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT
Welcome summer with Peter Woodaman as he hopes for Celtic glory—and market success for our industry partners and consumers.
InDEPTH
33 ORIENTAL WEAVERS MARKS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Contributing editor Cecile Corral examines the ongoing legacy of Oriental Weavers as the company’s USA division reaches a milestone.
INSIDE MARKETS
49 ANDMORE THE ( A ) LIST
Fire your design imagination with ANDMORE’s A-listers’ “Build A Room” vignettes presented during ANDMORE markets.
InSTYLE
54 We predict HOT style in Atlanta and Las Vegas with our expanded new product showcase!
InANTIQUES
68 ANTIQUE TAPESTRIES
Contributing editor Rodney Hakim takes us on an antique tapestry tour from biblical and mythological to historical and verdure.
What’s Looming
72 Len Andolino is back to business; Tamarian’s Ryan Higgins releases new pictorial book, Beyond the Loom ; COVER Connect returns to New York.
Index
78 Our advertisers help support the magazine. We ask you to consider purchasing from the fine companies in this issue.
In Humor
80 We can’t help chuckle at the truth in this summer tribute to the funny side of our industry.
SPORTSGLYPHS Football design SY1270
Metropolitan Pavilion and The Altman Building September 14-16, 2024 The boutique trade show for dynamic high-end rug brands, returns to Manhattan
Anadol Rug Co.
Asha Carpets
Asia Minor Carpets
Battilossi
Bespoke Tibetan Carpets
Caravan
Creative Matters
Creative Touch
Design Materials Inc.
Eliko Rug Gallery
French Accents
Harounian Rugs International
Jade Industries Inc.
Jaipur Living
Kirkit Rugs
Knot & Co.
Knots Rugs
Label STEP
Lapchi
Lila Valadan
Momeni
New Moon
Pampas Leather
Paulig
Rebel Carpets
Rug & Kilim
S & H Rugs
Samad Rugs
Stark Studio Rugs
Sumaq Alpaca
Tamarian
Tibet Rug Company
Tissage
Wendy Morrison Design
Wool & Silk
Zollanvari
SUMMER THUNDER
With summer markets on the horizon, you’ll find this beauty from HRI in Las Vegas, July 28 –Aug.1 at World Market Center, B-433. Design 512 Thunder is from the Horizon collection, handwoven in 100-percent New Zealand wool with viscose highlights. hrirugs.com
Ah Summertime...
It’s a great time of the year. Mid-June, thousands of Bikers descend on our beautiful Lakes Region of NH for a weeklong motorcycle rally. It’s been going on for 100 years and for me it’s a sure sign of the start to summer. Also, politics aside, my Boston Celtics are in the finals and looking poised to win another NBA Championship, and we await the Summer Olympics to be held in Paris. I hope you enjoy your summer and take time to be with family and friends.
I’m pleased to report the ongoing feature “Design Time” returns for this issue. Contributing editor Brian K. Robins gets in the field and talks to two interior designers who are at different points in their career. It’s an interesting read on how designers see and work with rugs.
Show of hands, who remembers when Oriental Weavers came on the scene? If you do, like me, then you are a real RUG INSIDER as Oriental Weavers is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Contributing editor Cecile Corral caught up with Oriental Weavers USA president Jonathan Witt on this impressive milestone.
With the Atlanta and Las Vegas summer markets approaching, we share a report on the “Build A Room” program that was launched by ANDMORE™ in 2024 showcasing some past and upcoming projects created by some very talented designers.
Rodney Hakim, RUG INSIDER’S antique carpet contributing editor is pleased to see the resurgence of antique tapestries as wall coverings. Many of you know Persian Gallery NY has a most impressive and historic collection of tapestries in their inventory.
But wait that’s not all! From the new book release by Tamarian’s Ryan Higgins Kalaty’s expanded collaboration with artist Katie Merz, throw in Summertime Blues and a “Rug Burn” to lighten your day, you will find much more to inspire your imag ination as you turn the pages of RI.
As always we appreciate the support from our loyal subscribers and our valued advertising partners who help us do what we do.
See you in Las Vegas!
Peter Woodaman Publisher peter@ruginsider.com
www.ruginsider.com
Follow us on social media @ruginsider
What attracted you to interior design?
My mom was an interior designer and my dad’s an artist and a teacher, so I grew up in a creative household. It’s kind of in my genes. Growing up, I’d always re-organize my bedroom. I’d make little nooks and crannies in the closet, places to hang out. That’s where it started.
I went back to school for interior design. I’d heard about Heritage, which is an awesome school here in Portland, OR.
DESIGN TIME
BY BRIAN K. ROBINS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
We had the privilege of speaking with two Portland, OR-based interior designers who are at different points in their careers. Kinsey Bagwell is working towards her third year, while Donna DuFresne owns a respected and wellestablished practice.
Both provided keen insight into the field of design and how the rug industry can better serve the profession.
How did school differ from working in the eld?
Going through the Heritage program over the last two years, while also working at Dailey Design, I thought I'd know it all! But there’s so much that goes into everything, from window coverings to rugs.
I feel like interior design is the most humbling career because you will never know everything. There’s always something new to learn.
When you started, what was the hardest part of the job?
At first it was all the terminology. There were so many words that I hadn’t heard of like wainscoting.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Every day is different. I am constantly inspired and in awe of everyone’s trade and how passionate everyone in this career is.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY: KUSH
KINSEY BAGWELL
You’re transitioning from Dailey Design Studio to the design rm Teal and Scott. How did you discover that opportunity?
I became a bit of a fan girl because they have this amazing bond between the two of them. I started following their Instagram and then followed them on Linkedin. I thought they’d be really fun to work for. They posted a job. I immediately hopped on it and got a call back.
Teal and Scott make great use of social media. It lets clients know their vibe, style, and energy. In your experience, is social media important in the design world?
I do think social media plays a big part, that’s how I found my job.
What rugs are you familiar with thus far?
Dailey Design did more traditional, hand-knotted, wool and silk rugs. One they used all the time was Oushaks. That’s their go-to. It’s tried and true and amazing.
When sourcing a rug, do you prefer off the rack, or do you like to be able to order custom?
Ordering custom is ideal. We got to do a project for a client in Palm Desert. Bright green, blue, and orange rugs, really funky designs. It’s so cool to be able to base a whole room off of a rug. I have a whole new appreciation for rugs since starting this career.
Well, we don’t mind hearing that! How do you further educate yourself about rugs and products?
We like letting vendors come to us to do presentations because we want to see what’s current and where the industry is headed. It’s about making connections and face-to-face interactions.
What’s your favorite swag that you’ve gotten from a vendor?
A nice pen goes a long way because you’re constantly taking notes in this industry.
Teal and Scott featured interiors: THE TREEHOUSE, PORTLAND, OR (top) | LAKE OSWEGO MODERN (bottom) PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHRIS DIBBLE
DONNA DUFRESNE
How did your journey in design begin?
I’ve kind of always lived my life backwards. I started by buying properties and redoing them. Come to find out that it’s a lot cheaper to make mistakes on paper. Then I went to design school for a year and a half and got offered a job at a design firm in Beverly Hills. I learned a lot and still use those early impressions and lessons today.
What are some of the biggest changes in design that you’ve witnessed?
Artificial intelligence. I don’t really dabble in it that much. I’m a big fan of authenticity.
What were some of the rug styles that were popular when you started out?
I don’t follow fads, or what’s hot for the moment. I don’t think I’m doing my clients justice if I get too trendy because I don’t think that’s a wise investment. If you have good, solid things like a beautiful Heriz rug, that’s something that’s not disposable.
“If you use the best quality that you can do, it’s better than filling up a room with a bunch of trendy junk.“
If you use the best quality that you can do, it’s better than filling up a room with a bunch of trendy junk.
A Heriz may come in and out of fashion, but if you like it, then you love it!
Absolutely. So many people today look at Instagram and Pinterest and see so much of the same thing, and they think that’s what’s good. As a designer you have to find out the personality of that person and try to introduce them to things so they can understand and love them.
A lot of your work that’s been photographed feels like a painting. There’s a signature richness to your work that has a glow.
I think of myself as a painter. I would say 99-percent of my clients come from referrals. I would assume that something about my work attracts them to it.
Do you often begin with the rug, or do you wait until other pieces are in place?
I think rugs are a very important part of the picture. It’s one of the key players. I don’t necessarily start with the rug, but it’s definitely in the top five.
Do you feel comfortable with purchasing for clients online?
I like 1stDibs. It’s not always the right pairing for certain clients, but it inspires me just to go there and I’d rather look though that than scroll through Instagram. I like working with local artisans. 90-percent of the furniture that I place is custom, or antique reupholstered pieces.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY: MARIA
Do you like it when reps come to you with things that are new?
I do. Showrooms in Seattle come down every quarter, or when a new line comes out. They keep me current. When you’re presenting ideas to clients, how do you communicate? Do you use digital, atlays, or a mixture?
A mixture. I like to develop boards to leave with clients, so they can sit with it after the presentation. We create a nice little gift box and inside the gift box are all the little samples and memos that are part of the presentation.
So it’s important that vendors and reps give you samples.
It’s absolutely necessary. Before you’re going to make a major commitment, you need at least a weekend to sit with it and touch it. It’s important to leave clients with something that they can feel.
If you were to give advice to someone who’s starting in interior design, what would be helpful to share with them?
Ask questions. As a design community, we should support the next generation. Find a person that you feel comfortable with. Mentorship. Seek that out.
If you were going to choose a rug for yourself, what would you choose?
Parent company Oriental Weavers was founded 1978 and is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
ORIENTAL WEAVERS MARKS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
BY CECILE CORRAL, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
USA division of global operation celebrates ongoing legacy as area rug industry’s key resource
This year marks a major milestone for not just one company but the global rug industry as a whole.
Oriental Weavers USA is turning 35, and this domestic division of its Egypt-based parent has much to celebrate about its role and relevance over the past three and a half decades—and counting.
But among the most noteworthy is the company’s omnipresence within the floor coverings industry. A ubiquitous source of raw materials and finished fashion products—which span performance-driven machinemade woven, printed and tufted varieties to hand-crafted natural fiber luxury styles, Oriental Weavers is the Kevin Bacon of rugs. Look, and you’ll find just one degree of separation—
maybe two degrees, tops—between the company and its fellow category players.
“We are the biggest manufacturer of area rugs in the world, with over 220 looms compared to our closest competitor, who only has about 130 looms,” noted Jonathan Witt, president. “Our manufacturing capacity is so massive that not only do we
“Today, at least 50-percent of our customers want us to inventory the goods in our warehouses and ship them out when needed. It’s been one of the biggest changes we’ve faced in recent years.“
develop and design products for our own businesses but also for many, many other importers worldwide across the industry.”
The world’s largest manufacturer of woven and printed area rugs, parent company Oriental Weavers was founded in Cairo in 1978. And its U.S. division ranks at the top among its domestic-based counterparts.
“We are a vertically integrated company, from petroleum to polypropylene pellet production, fiber extrusion to design, and weaving/tufting/printing to finishing,” the company notes in its 2024 company overview report.
Oriental Weavers USA started manufacturing in 1994 when it launched its plant in Dalton, Georgia on the heels of opening its U.S.-based distribution center in 1989. Currently, 30-percent of its product is produced in the U.S.; 60-percent is made in Egypt by its parent company; and 10% in Asia, specifically China and India.
Witt has been president of Oriental Weavers USA since Spring 2017, and part of the company for the past 27 years. In that time, he has steered the operation through arguably more and greater changes than any of his predecessors. Witt has led the business
through the evolution of ecommerce and the many changes it influenced across traditional retail, fostered the development of innovative products that set new standards in quality and performance, and adapted operations to pivot amid the pandemic’s ongoing effects, to name a few.
“Operationally, the business model is very different than it was 25 years ago,” Witt said. “Back then, the majority of brick-and-mortar stores held inventory and used samples on the selling floor. Then the internet came and quickly created the expectation of drop shipments to the stores
Oriental Weavers USA, the domestic division of the global organization, opened its doors in Dalton, Ga., in 1989. Jonathan Witt has been President of Oriental Weavers USA since Spring 2017.
“We are a vertically integrated company, from petroleum to polypropylene pellet production, fiber extrusion to design, and weaving/tufting/printing to finishing“
or directly to consumers’ doors. Today, at least 50% of our customers want us to inventory the goods in our warehouses and ship them out when needed. It’s been one of the biggest changes we’ve faced in recent years.”
Consider what drop-ship programs have done to Oriental Weavers USA’s physical footprint, he explained. The company has grown up and out, stacking more space onto existing sites and strategically building new locations in key locations for quicker and more efficient deliveries.
“Our warehousing space is at least two and a half times the size of what it was in 2008 during the theneconomic downturn,” he explained.
Maintaining its leadership position has also come via the company’s focus on product innovation. Two key drivers that continue to lead the effort are the development of high-performance yarn systems and the launch and expansion of the outdoor rug category.
“The outdoor category was nonexistent 25 years ago,” Witt noted. “What propelled us and set us apart
from everyone else was that Mr. Mohamed Farid Khamis, our company’s founder, got us the industry’s very first looms that could produce these kinds of new textures and qualities in area rugs. We had the exclusive capabilities to open the category and lead the way. And today, we are the largest manufacturer of indoor/outdoor area rugs.”
Supporting this and other product segments, like the growing ultimate performance rugs category which continues to rise as a percentage of sales, is Oriental Weavers’ in-house
One of Oriental Weavers USA’s best-selling collections, Andorra was originally introduced in 2016 and has consistently expanded over the years with on-trend style additions. Most recently, Andorra launched 12 new designs at High Point in April 2023.
petrochemical operation, “which allows us to make our own polypropylene and nylon chips and control the quality so that we deliver what our customers expect,” Witt said.
“Our vertical integration has been core to our overall success,” he continued. “Having our own yarn operation means we promise consistency in quality and performance. When companies have to buy fiber from different sources, they run the risk of having to use different yarns that affect their products and ultimately disappointing customers.”
Innovation is also possible for the company thanks to its vertical status. “Our product development teams have been able to engineer proprietary polypropylene fibers that look
like natural wool but are softer than anything else in the marketplace, plus many performance features and a broad spectrum of color options.”
An example is the machine-made Andorra Collection, which originally made its debut in April 2016 with an unprecedented 212-color palette and a unique weave construction. It remains among the company’s best sellers, and is credited with being the inspiration for several other popular collections since then.
“Thanks to our strong foundation and diverse operations, we’ve created a robust middle market for area rugs across retail channels,” Witt explained. “We’ve made them accessible, affordable and versatile accessories for the home for a range of consumers.”
From its perspective as an industry leader, Oriental Weavers values competition in its business landscape as a means of maintaining a healthy industry that promotes variety, vibrancy and diversity.
“No one should ever be 100-percent of anything,” Witt said. “It’s critical to the industry to have other players who offer niche products or special services. It’s important to celebrate not just our strengths but the strengths others bring to the table to make this industry thrive and prosper.”
owrugs.com
IMAGES COURTESY OF ORIENTAL WEAVERS
Oriental Weavers USA manufacturers machine-woven, printed and tufted area rugs. The company has invested in state-of-the-art looms and equipment as well as expanded capacity to serve its robust retail and wholesale businesses.
Savonnerie Rugs Larger than 9 x 12
Round Aubusson & Savonnerie Rugs Savonnerie 9 x 12 and Smaller
Aubusson Rugs 10 x 14 and Larger
Aubusson Rugs 9 x 12, 8 x 10
Aubusson Rugs 6 x 9 and Smaller
Vertical Tapestry
Square(ish)
Horizontal Tapestry
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF ARTISANAL HANDCRAFTED AREA RUGS
YES,
we have the cure! Blue holds steady as one of the top interior trends for 2024, so you’ll find plenty of design inspo in these next few pages.
This versatile hue can adapt to a variety of interior aesthetics.
From ocean to sky, we’ve sourced shades like midnight and sapphire… navy, teal, and denim to name a few.
Try some traditional style with Shalom’s Chambord design or the Sultan collection from Oriental Designer Rugs. Craving modern? Curl up with New Moon’s hand-knotted Python in a blend of Tibetan wool, Chinese silk and natural nettle fibers—or perhaps Tamarian’s popular String Theory in Bluetral.
If you’re feeling blue, we’ve got you covered.
InFOCUS |
“Blue is the only color which maintains its own character in all its tones. It will always stay blue.“
RAOUL DUFY
Safavieh’s Anatolian Collection | safavieh.com
“Blue is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight.“
JOHN RUSKIN
NON - SLIP AREA RUG PADS
THE ( A ) LIST
ANDMORE’s The ( A ) List is a multi-modal influencer program merging design and influence to inspire innovation. Launched in 2024, its “Build A Room,” designers curate immersive displays using products exclusively sourced from exhibitors in Atlanta Market, Las Vegas Market and High Point Market.
RUG INSIDER is pleased to share ANDMORE’s showcase of seven past and upcoming “Build A Room” projects created by The ( A ) List participants:
• Nikki Chu
• Windsor Dalton
• Kathy Kuo
• Jasmine Crockett
• Martyn Lawrence Bullard
• Marissa Nelums
Modern Globalism by Nikki Chu (ANDMORE at HPMKT Spring 2024)
“I believe bedrooms should be a sanctuary and an escape from the world, so I like to use monochromatic color palettes to create that energy. In this room, I mixed modern lines with organic shapes. Even though the wallpaper has a bold pattern, the hand-drawn aspect to the paper creates a soft and muted backdrop. I describe my own personal style as Modern Globalism. It’s about creating a space that feels well-traveled, layered with texture but is clean with modern at the same time. This well-lived-in, yet sophisticated look is what makes this style so desirable.”
• Nina Takesh
Rug: Jaipur Living
Inside MARKETS | ANDMORE THE ( A ) LIST
Inspired Expression by Windsor Dalton (ANDMORE at HPMKT Spring 2024)
“I wanted to design a moody and warm neutral space that felt cozy, but still worldly and sophisticated. There are layers with a lot of unique and contrasting textures. I placed an emphasis on geometry and unexpected scale, the coffee table is definitely a conversation starter. I always love to incorporate sculptural elements and some type of human form, it really gives the room personality.”
Rug: Loloi – CRN-01 JS Charcoal / Natural
California Casual Sunroom by Martyn Lawrence Bullard (LVMKT Winter 2024)
“It’s a charming and unique living room, a space where vibrant colors, diverse textures, and playful shapes come together to create a truly eclectic and inviting atmosphere that is a signature of California style and living.
The living room as the canvas for this design was a deliberate choice, as it can be the heart of a home—a place where people entertain, relax, and gather with friends and family. The intention was clear: to fashion a room that is not only warm and cozy but also exudes a sense of fun and individuality whilst allowing multiple use, comfort and modern living, and this design exudes that ethos.
Incorporating trending elements of designs, I’ve given the room a contemporary edge. From mixing and matching furniture styles to utilizing unusual textures, we’ve embraced the eclectic spirit. Every piece here is chosen with intention, reflecting a unique taste and style, as I strive to create our own version of what’s California living.”
Rug: Loloi Rugs – Bennett Collection BEN-06
A Desert Dream by Marissa Nelums (LVMKT Winter 2024)
“A Desert Dream is a sanctuary where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the serenity of nature. This luxurious oasis is a blend of tranquility, and adventure. The warm sultry tones pair perfectly with art of the Antelope canyon. I spent a great amount of time in Arizona this year and fell completely in love. This is what I envision my dream bedroom to resemble if I ever made a transition to live on the west coast.”
Rug: Rizzy Home – Meza Rug
Artful Living: Earthy Elegance with an Art Deco Twist by Nina Takesh (LVMKT Winter 2024)
“In crafting this room’s design, I aim to unite a rich palette of earthy hues, giving a contemporary twist to the conventional living space. Comfort and sophistication are key. I’m drawn to the art deco style and distinctive architectural elements to create a captivating atmosphere.
The focal point is a luxurious cream sofa, complemented by an earthy green rug. A warm travertine coffee table, boasting large spheres for legs, introduces visual intrigue. Touches of brass add to the allure, creating a sophisticated and harmonious living space.”
Rug: Feizy – Sutton T6003 in Pewter-Green
Inside MARKETS | ANDMORE THE ( A ) LIST
Hamptons Coastal Elegance by Kathy Kuo (LVMKT Summer 2024)
“Our Hamptons Coastal Elegance room is a chic oasis to gather with loved ones for a sweet treat and a glass of crisp bubbles. It's an area to sit around the table and relax in style after a long, happy day at the beach or on the water. Inspired by the effortless elegance and striking natural beauty of the Hamptons, this space features organic materials (like reclaimed tree trunks, fossilized shells, jute, hand-cut coco wood, and hand-woven rope), a versatile warm neutral color palette, and a mix of rich textures that feels both luxurious and livable.”
Rug: Loloi Rugs – COO-01 MH Ivory Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines (Vignette image available after market.)
Reading Oasis by Jasmine Crockett (Atlanta Market Summer 2024)
“Step into your own personal Reading Oasis, a tranquil corner of your home meticulously crafted for winding down after a long day. Inspired by the serene beauty of nature, this cozy space envelops you in soft earthy tones and natural textures, providing a calming atmosphere perfect for immersing yourself in the captivating world of literature.”
Rug: Loloi Rugs – Bradley Collection BRL-07 CJ Sage / Olive (Vignette image available after market.)
The European Art Form of the 16th - 19th Centuries Is the Hot New Wall Decor Choice of the 21st Century
BY RODNEY HAKIM
There is a saying, “what’s old is new again.” Fashion works in cycles, and what is popular at a certain time might fall out of favor for a while, only to be rediscovered some time later, and celebrated once again as the trendy “new” item of the moment. Such is the case with the antique tapestry, which is all the rage now in the Summer of 2024, appearing in shelter magazines like Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, on endless lists of what’s trending within in-home decor, on the websites and social media postings of prominent interior designers, and on the walls of more and more buyers around the United States and Europe.
The antique tapestry was for centuries the ultimate luxury item and status symbol of the royalty and the elite of Europe, with England’s King Henry VIII famously having over 2,500 of them in his collection. His palace at Hampton Court was adorned with multiple sets of tapestries, including a set based on the Biblical patriarch, Abraham, and another set based on the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar. King Henry was so obsessed with tapestries, that according to some reports, he purportedly bankrupted his country (twice!) to pay for more and more of these custom weavings!
WHAT IS AN ANTIQUE TAPESTRY, AND WHY WERE THEY STATUS SYMBOLS?
In Europe in the 1500s through the 1800s, antique tapestries were perhaps the single most exalted luxury item that someone could have. They were the stuff of kings and royalty, and of the wealthy elite. Similar to the way that, in the current day, the rich and famous will have the most elaborate mansions as status symbols, along with the latest exotic cars and mega-yachts, the rich and powerful of that era in Europe had majestic castles, and adorned their castle walls with grand tapestries.
Antique tapestries are flat-woven decorative textiles, woven by hand with wool and silk, and in some cases with gold, silver, and metallic thread. These tapestries were made by custom order by some of the finest weavers, workshops, and ateliers of Europe, and primarily from those located in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Tapestries were hung on the walls of the castles of kings, princes, dukes, and the wealthy class, and served multiple purposes. The tapestries provided insulation for the castle walls, serving as a layer of protection for the interior of the home from the cold, drafty, or rainy
weather outside the castle walls. They served as a form of reflective illumination, in that the tapestries with gold, silver, or metallic threads in them would provide glinting reflections of the interior lamps and other light sources in the castles, giving them a heightened glowing effect. They were aesthetically beautiful, displaying the artistry of some of the finest weavers in Europe. In many cases, these tapestries served the additional purpose of conveying subtle (or not so subtle) messages about their owners. Some of this messaging would come from the size and scale of the tapestries, with the biggest, most grandiose, and most richly appointed tapestries conveying the highest status.
Additionally, the identity of the artist, especially if that artist was one of the most esteemed in Europe, like Peter Paul Rubens or Ian Raes, would amplify the power and status conveyed by the tapestries.
Beyond that, the subject matter of the tapestries was telling, with many of them depicting subjects ranging from Biblical scenes to Historical scenes, and from Mythological scenes to Verdure scenes.
Hampton Court - Story of Abraham Tapestry
InANTIQUES | ANTIQUE TAPESTRIES
BIBLICAL AND HISTORICAL TAPESTRIES
Two of the styles that were the most popular in the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were the Biblical and Historical Tapestries. As their titles imply, these tapestries depicted Biblical or Historical scenes. Popular biblical subjects included Old Testament figures, like Moses and like the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Also popular were New Testament tapestries, including depictions of Jesus and the Apostles, Joseph and Mary, and others.
Historical tapestries were also extremely popular during this time period, depicting various kings, queens, famous wars, and certain important historical moments.
The depiction of these famous Biblical and Historical figures, scenes, and moments in these grand tapestries served multiple purposes. They attested to the religious or national loyalties of the owners; i.e., a religious scene for a king who was loyal to or observant of his religion, or a historical scene of a king’s past ancestor who helped to establish his nation and was a founder of his royal line.
Additionally, they would display the skill of the weavers, for rendering a well known figure in a particularly regal or dynamic setting, or with a memorable stance or facial expression.
Furthermore, these tapestries spoke to the cultural moment or zeitgeist of their particular eras, and in the castles of certain members of the ruling elite, could take on added layers of meaning, and convey powerful messages about their owners.
HENRY VIII AND THE JULIUS CAESAR AND ABRAHAM TAPESTRIES
The Bibilical and Historical Tapestry styles discussed above had a certain level of cultural meaning in and of themselves, as they depicted important religious figures or historical moments or personalities. In the case of England’s King Henry VIII, who had the grandest collection of tapestries in history, they also became an important tool for his royal messaging.
In King Henry VIII’s reign, he had six wives, but did not succeed in having a male heir with any of them from whom he could safely carry on his kingdom. He divorced his first three wives by annulment, breaking England’s connection with the Roman Catholic Church in the process, and bringing about the Protestant Reformation.
This process of breaking away from the established form of Catholicism and creating his country’s own new form of Christianity was a pivotal moment for King Henry, and in support of that enormous societal shift, he looked to connect his own image with those of two past biblical and historical icons of seismic cultural change, the patriarch Abraham, and the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar.
To cement his connection to those two figures, King Henry commissioned two of the most important sets of tapestries in history, the Story of Abraham series, relating the journeys of Abraham, who broke away from polytheism and brought about monotheism, and the Julius Caesar series, with Caesar’s arc from being a member of the Roman senate, to being an outcast, to coming back and conquering Rome and taking it to new previously unimaginable new heights. (See lede image.)
While the Story of Abraham series is still intact, and can be seen to this day at Hampton Court in England, the Julius Caesar series were sold off or otherwise lost to time.
One of the only Julius Caesar tapestries that is still extant is currently in our own collection, and depicts the fateful moment in which Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon river, establishing himself as the new leader of Rome, and going on to become the greatest and most famous emperor in Roman history.
In likening himself to these world renowned figures, Abraham and Julius Caesar, King Henry VIII set himself up as being the next in the line of these famous iconoclasts, giving both biblical and historical significance and connection to himself as the rightful and quasidivine monarch of the English throne. It also gave greater credence to his ability and authority of being able to break away from past religious conventions of the Roman Catholic Church, and redirect England’s religion in the direction of his choosing.
Tapestry #27859, 16th Century, Brussels ‘Moses & Joshua’ – 11’0” x 8’5”
Tapestry #27468, 17th Century, French ‘Marriage of Joseph & Mary’ –11’0” x 11’0”
InANTIQUES | ANTIQUE TAPESTRIES
While the Biblical and Historical Tapestry styles were extremely popular, and were used by kings and the wealthy as status symbols and as subliminal messaging tools, two other styles that were also very popular, not just with kings and the elite, but also with a broader audience, were the Mythological and Verdure Tapestry styles.
Mythological tapestries told the stories of various deities and figures from Greek and Roman mythology, including Zeus, Hermes, Diana, Aphrodite, and Persephone. Verdure tapestries envisioned nature scenes, with forests, trees, bushes, flowers, birds, and other wildlife.
Mythological tapestries were often grandiose and other-worldly, depicting figures and scenes that are in some sense recognizable as being of this earth, but also feature dragons, demons, or other beings that connect this world to the far off mythological realm.
One such piece is the Myth of Persephone, envisioning the eponymous deity, Persephone (or Proserpine) plucking a pomegranate from a tree while standing alone amid demons and dragons, as she ushers in the Spring season for her short time on earth, before being doomed to the rest of the year in the underworld. (See image opposite top.)
On the other extreme, the Verdure tapestry was all about the earth and nature, and became increasingly popular and in demand as European society became more city oriented in the 17th to 19th centuries. People were increasingly removed from nature, and these Verdure tapestries became the preferred way to capture a perfect, idyllic vision of the natural world, and bring it with them into their homes and cottages.
Many people in England and throughout Europe still held mythological figures and stories very close to home, both in their education about past cultures and stories, as well as in their personal beliefs. Mythology, like religion, offered a way of understanding certain aspects of the world that seemed to be beyond nature.
Tapestry #29153, 17th Century, Flemish Verdure Landscape – 9’6” x 9’9”
InANTIQUES | ANTIQUE TAPESTRIES
In some cases, the Mythological and Verdure styles would merge, as mythological figures would be depicted in a realistic forest environment, grounding the otherworldly deities within the observable world of nature.
One such tapestry is from a series based on the female deity Diana the Huntress (pictured above), in which Diana seen is in a realistic forest setting, reviewing the spoils of her latest hunt with her attendants.
Tapestries like this, which took a figure from mythology and lore, and placed her firmly in a natural environment that might exist not far from a person’s home, became increasingly popular with the European audience, especially in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, when wealth became more widely distributed in Europe. As part of that societal shift, more people were able to have enough wealth to buy homes, and adorn those homes with smaller versions of the grand tapestries that their kings and leaders had established as status symbols in the preceding centuries.
For a larger discussion of this societal trend, and a more detailed analysis of several different sub-categories within the Verdure tapestry style, see our previous InANTIQUES article published in the Fall 2022 issue of RUG INSIDER Magazine.
While society has changed significantly since the time when these different types of tapestries were all the rage in Europe, tapestries have once again emerged at the forefront of the fashion and interior design worlds, and have been rediscovered as a must-have form of wall decor that more and more people are seeking out for their homes.
They might have a different cultural cache today than they did in the days of King Henry VIII and some of the other kings and leaders who helped to usher in the heyday of tapestry popularity in the 16th – 19th centuries, but the fact that they have reemerged naturally attest their staying power, to the incredible artistry and beauty that they have, and to the masterful weaving that went into their creation.
All of the tapestry styles enumerated in this article are increasingly popular in the United States, Europe, and beyond. The world’s largest selection of these tapestries can be found in a variety of sizescan be found in a variety of sizes and designs at www.pgny.com.
IMAGES COURTESY OF PGNY
Tapestry #24800, 17th Century, Brussels ‘Myth of Persephone’ – 12’0” x 13’0”
Tapestry #26214, 18th Century, Brussels ‘Diana the Huntress’ – 9’0” x 8’0”
Andolino Forms Consulting Group
Len Andolino, a 40-year industry veteran, has re-established Andolino Management Group with a focus on the high-end decorative flooring industry. This move will allow Andolino to shift his professional focus to better align with his personal and family commitments.
“I initially started this concept in 2015 and it proved to be successful for the companies I partnered with at that time. Unfortunately, Due to a family illness I had to close the business,”
explains Andolino. “Today I am happy to have the opportunity to re-start my consulting business, which will seek likeminded companies that understand the fashion driven, high-end segment of the flooring industry. I hope to work with a limited number of foreign and domestic companies that seek my services.”
Andolino has served the past three and a half years as the Vice President of The Dixie Group’s decorative brands, 1866 by Masland and Decor by Fabrica. He will continue working with TDG as he works through the transition to AMG.
“Under Len Andolino’s leadership, we have successfully re-established our decorative program as a growth segment of our business. We have reached a mutual agreement to transition our relationship and continue working together under Andolino’s new venture,” says TM Nuckols, President of TDG.
“I am very happy to have 1866 and Decor as my 1st clients for Andolino Management Group,” Andolino adds.
Andolino Management Group will offer a variety of services depending on the client’s needs. They will offer product sourcing, business development, sales management, and training to name a few.
Summer Sizzles at PGNY
Persian Gallery New York is heating up this Summer season with a sizzling series of newly sourced antique rugs and European tapestries available for view at www.PGNY.com.
Also of note are an expanded Buy It Now section, plus an enhanced Advanced Search function. Browse the company’s full collection online, or contact them directly with your special requests at info@pgny.com or call (212) 683-2699.
“It’s been an amazing 40-year journey, and I am determined to celebrate my 50th anniversary in 10 years, then I’ll go sit on a beach somewhere. I’ve traveled to practically every corner of this world working with the leading American importers and world class manufacturers,” Andolino says.
“I’ve traveled to practically every corner of this world working with the leading American importers and world-class manufacturers.“
“I feel our industry is prime for significant growth in all floor covering areas. Our economy will stabilize, inflation will recede, and interest rates will fall, those indicators will lead to a boom in housing, both new and resale and I want to work with a select group of companies that will be positioned to seize the day. I am confident in our industry, and I look forward to being part of the last big boom in my career.”
Industry veteran Len Andolino
Registration Opens for COVER Connect New York 2024
COVER Connect New York (CCNY) is back in its popular Chelsea location with its familiar combination of exciting new exhibitors and returning favorites. Hosting forty esteemed international brands, on September 14–16, 2024, in central Manhattan, it promotes the extraordinary and timeless potential of woven flooring, from the traditional Persian or Turkish rug to ultra-modern art pieces and everything in-between.
Among the many returning exhibitors are material specialists Design Materials Inc. (plant fibers), Sumaq Alpaca (alpaca) and Pampas Leather (cowhide), plus we welcome several new companies to CCNY 2024: Momeni and S&H Rugs, who showed at COVER Connect Las Vegas in January; Bespoke Tibetan Carpets; and the inimitable Lila Valadan from Hamburg.
The participating brands have been carefully selected to complement one another’s product and present the widest possible variety of production and styles. Offering bespoke options for the residential and commercial sectors, the exhibitors bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for handmade rugs, weaving, design, and innovation.
Visitors can shop for the latest product offerings but also be inspired by design-led collections and converse with forward-thinking, knowledgeable rug-industry people. Buyers receive an unrivalled insight into weavings available today, from exclusive, artisan-made artworks to more affordable, stylish carpeting solutions.
The mid-September dates coincide with two other important textile events in NYC to offer visitors cross-
over shopping opportunities: New York Home Fashion Market Week, Sept. 16–19, focuses on home textiles for volume retailers and takes place at the showrooms of HFPA member companies; and New York Textile Month (NYTM), Sept. 1 – 30, offers a city-wide program of events, talks, demonstrations and exhibitions.
CCNY is the ideal place to shop for the ultimate rug solutions. Expect to discover new collections, the latest designs and technical developments, plus a huge range of custom rug options, in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Registration to visit COVER Connect New York is free and open now at thecoverconnect.com. CCNY is open to industry professionals only. thecoverconnect.com
Book Release | Beyond the Loom
Ryan Higgins of Tamarian has released a new book, Beyond the Loom: The People Who Crafted Rugs in Kathmandu, Monsoon 2023.
“The images captured by Nepali photographer, Narendra Shrestra are a pictorial journey through place and process as it relates to the very human art of rug weaving,” describes Higgins. “The rawness of the imagery and truthtelling of modern life in the carpet industry is at once both moving and illuminating. The book is a poetic celebration of the lives of weavers who make Tibetan rugs in Kathmandu,” he adds.
With words and layout by Higgins, Beyond the Loom is published by Hali Publications, Ltd. with an introduction by Reto Aschwanden of Label STEP, the leading organization for fair trade in handmade carpets.
Beyond the Loom is available for purchase upon request; contact info@tamarian.com for more information.
tamarian.com
If you met 16-year-old Gulafsa as she appears in this picture –wearing a dress she made herself – you would encounter a bubbly high school student with a dream to be a fashion designer or a doctor. But Gulafsa almost missed her chance to go to school. When she was just 11 years old, GoodWeave found her working in a carpet factory in India. GoodWeave helped transition Gulafsa back to school and is providing support to continue her education. Gulafsa can now make her dreams come true. You can help other children make it in life too. Look for the GoodWeave® label on carpet and home textile products –your best assurance no child labor was used.
katie merz x KALATY
PLAY BALL!
(or tennis or golf or go cycling…)
With outdoor sports and the Paris Olympics on millions of minds around the world this summer, it is no accident that Kalaty also has sports in mind as the company brings exciting new additions to its highly energetic artistdesigned SPORTSGLYPHS rug collection at the summer Las Vegas market.
The initial SPORTSGLYPHS collection debuted in 2023 with three popular themes—basketball, baseball and soccer—each depicted by Katie Merz’s distinctive free-hand glyph-art interpretations. Four new themes will be unveiled in Vegas—football, tennis, cycling and golf. With their broad appeal for sports-lovers of all ages, these delightful rugs are available in a range of sizes and trendy colorways.
SPORTSGLYPHS will be on display at the Kalaty Las Vegas showroom, WMC, B455 along with an impressive array of the company’s newest artisanal heirloom rugs and collections. Merz, the creative genius behind SPORTSGLYPHS and several other Kalaty rug collections, will also be on hand to demonstrate her unique glyph art for Kalaty customers in casual meet-and-greet fashion during the show.
“We are especially pleased to introduce the latest SPORTSGLYPHS rugs with Katie Merz, an artist whose creativity is both unique and boundless,” says Ariel Kalaty, a company spokesman. “It is a rarity to be able to work with such an extraordinary talent, and we are honored to have the opportunity to interpret her work intothis growing series of artist-designed rugs. Katie’s rug designs draw a wide audience, not just for fans of her popular artwork, but also for people who are looking for something truly unique for their homes and floors.”
kalatyrugs.com
katiemerz.com
IMAGES COURTESY OF KALATY
Artist Katie Merz, photo credit Shed Rain
SPORTSGLYPHS by urban mural artist Katie Merz is a delightful rug collection that depicts her highly distinctive glyph-art style featuring her spontaneous and wildly oriented hieroglyphs densely sandwiched together to illustrate the various images, icons, actions, language, energy and essence of each sport in the collection. All SPORTSGLYPHS rugs are power-loomed using 100-percent polyester yarns.
ABOUT KATIE MERZ
The daughter of pioneering architects, Katie Merz is a passionate lifelong Brooklyn resident as well as an award-winning artist and professor of drawing at the renowned Cooper Union School of Fine Art. Best known for her contemporary large-scale murals on urban building exteriors and in public spaces, Katie’s works are found in such diverse locations as New York City, Denver, CO, Austin, TX, Mexico City, Lisbon (Portugal), as well as in smaller urban locations.
Her spontaneous murals depict local themes and icons that most often relate to the history, architecture and culture of the location and echo traditional graffiti and friezes of classic public buildings. Katie’s iconic work in the glyph style also has been commissioned by such prestigious brands as Starbucks, Union Square Hospitality Group and Chelsea Piers Fitness, Facebook (Meta), and others.
In addition to her line of area rugs with Kalaty, Merz’s work is licensed to home décor and furnishings specialists including fabric collections, framed art, wall coverings, kitchen and bath accessories, umbrellas, and more!
Tough Stains Have Met Their Match
Here is a proven, made-in-the-USA, water-based spot cleaner, ideal for water-safe carpeting.
FAST-KLEEN removes the toughest water- and oil-based spots and stains, without solvents or VOCs. Motor oil, soy sauce, pet messes, coffee—bring it on!
And it is available in two convenient platforms: a dependable squirt bottle and bag-on-valve spray.
Carpet and rug professionals: here is a 100-percent green, professional-strength spot and stain remover that works fast on the toughest stains.
