Rug Culture Oriental Handmade Catalogue 2017 by Unitex International

Handmade Catalogue

CHOBI

Contents

Introduction Styling & Care Guide Abadeh Azerbaijan Bakhterari Balouchi Chobi Diamond Hamedan Hossainabad Khal Mohammadi Kashan Kazak Kolyaei Lori Mahi Nahavand Nain Patchwork Shiraz Sirjan Stonewash Tabriz Toysirkan Ottomans & Cushions

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STONEWASH

Introduction Welcome to the wonderful world of handmade, vintage rugs! Fine, handmade rugs have a timeless appeal which transcends the whims of fashion; and are one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly flooring options available. Each unique design represents the artistic vision and human hand of the maker, with imperfections and spontaneous variations giving personality to each piece. A handmade rug is perfect for every home due to their durability, easy care nature and anti-allergenic qualities. Sadly, traditional hand weaving skills and heritage are being left behind in developing nations; making these beautiful rugs an appreciating asset you can hand down to generations of your loved ones.

Our promise to youâ&#x20AC;Ś

Every rug in our handmade collection has been sourced by trusted and experienced buyers, who travel the world selecting only the finest pieces, and supporting the local communities in their country of origin. We invite you to begin your own journey through this colourful world with the largest collection of handmade, vintage rugs today!

The Unitex team HEAD OFFICE & SHOWROOM Unitex International 53 Bourke Rd Alexandria, NSW, 2015

POSTAL ADDRESS Unitex International PO Box 7314 Alexandria, NSW, 2015

P (02) 9669 6317 F (02) 9669 5810 E enquiries@unitexint.com W www.unitexint.com

Please contact us if you would like to make an appointment to see our showroom.

NAIN/NAEN

Styling & Care Style Guide Handmade rugs can be used to complement your existing dĂŠcor or can be used as the foundation from which to draw inspiration for the entire room. You could choose one piece as the centre point of your home, or use rugs of different styles and origins throughout to create a flow of movement from one area to the next. Area rugs can be used to define space in a room. Many large rugs come from the cities; and are woven using large, fixed looms to give a more complex and intricate design. Smaller rugs can be used on their own, layered together or can be used in the traditional way as multi-purpose coverings for floors, beds and furniture. The smaller, tribal rugs are created on small looms that are transported by the weavers from place to place. This journey is reflected in their asymmetrical borders, displaying proudly the heritage of their creation. Layering multiple rugs in one room creates a warm and homely environment, recreating the feeling of the nomadic dwellings of the makers. This layered look is recommended with tribal rugs created by nomadic people such as Balouchi, Azerbaijan or Abedeh rugs. When it comes to styling, every designer has a different opinion and aesthetic. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours, designs and styles throughout the home based on your own imagination, as every piece we offer has been selected to bring elegance and luxury to any style of decor.

Care Tips

Handmade rugs are designed to withstand use and require surprisingly little care. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your heirloom piece stays looking stunning for generations to come. Regular vacuuming is recommended to lift dirt before it can settle into the base of the rug. Vacuum using a brushless attachment. Occasionally vacuum the back of the rug, followed by a vacuum of the top. For spills, blot excess liquid immediately with paper towels. Contact your rug cleaning professional for further advice. Use a rug pad to protect from wear and prevent your rug from sliding, and rotate your rug every six months to a year to ensure even wear and light exposure. Professional cleaning should be organised every three to seven years depending on the level of traffic.

Abadeh Abadeh is a picturesque market town in the south of Iran situated on the road between Isfahan and Shiraz. The designs from this area are inspired by the Ghashghai nomads who had their summer pastures in the area. The carpets usually have geometric patterns in the centre and can feature small pictures of birds, animals and flowers. They are renowned for their fine quality and hardy durability.

Country of Origin Iran The art of rug weaving is a cultural tradition in Iran, dating back to ancient Persia roughly the first century BC. The unique patterns and delicate harmonies of design and colour are evidence of the rich tradition, and Persian rugs are also prized for their exquisite technique.

Every handmade, vintage rug from Unitex is unique. The images on this page are examples of this style. Please contact us on (02) 9669 6317 for more information or visit our showroom to view our full collection.

ABADEH

Azerbaijan The making of fine rugs in Azerbaijan is a family tradition, with skills transferred through generations from mother to daughter. During Spring and Autumn, men will shear sheep for their wool while women hand spin and dye the yarn from Spring to Summer. Woman also collect the materials for dyestuffs from natural materials; with the seven basic colours created using green walnut shells, the skin of pomegranates, indigo, leaves of the mulberry, quince and walnut plants, and roots of madder. The weavings of Azerbaijan are prized by collectors for their technical excellence and emotionality, and represent a wonderful investment.

Country of Origin Azerbaijan Carpet weaving in Azerbaijan dates back to ancient times, and is one of the most essential arts of the region.

AZERBAIJAN

Bakhterari Bakhterari people are a noble, ancient tribe surviving in the Chahar Mahal region of south-central Iran. Their rugs are renowned for nomadic designs and durability due to their construction and high density. The Bakhterari weavers are legendarily known for having very luxurious hand-spun wool, often from their own sheep, that produces excellent quality rugs. The tribal designs are given intense colouration using vegetable dyes extracted from local plants and grasses using centuries old formulas.

BAKHTERARI

Balouchi Balouchi rugs are hand-woven by the nomadic tribes of eastern Iran and feature geometrical designs and earthy colours. The thick, lustrous wool pile is hand spun from local camel or sheep and natural vegetable dyes are mainly used to ensure purity. A subtle, soft patina will develop over time, enhancing the beauty of these tribal artworks. Constructed using techniques that have been developed over centuries, a Balouchi rug is built to last.

BALOUCHI

Chobi Chobi rugs are sourced from the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Geometric and floral designs are created in soft, muted tones that are ideal for the modern home. The hand spun wool is traditionally dyed with a unique method using hand gathered fruits, vegetables, roots, tree barks and dried fruit shells. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chobis are made with a combination of modern and traditional techniques maintaining the true integrity of the colours and design. A perfect complement to the modern or classic home, these collectable pieces will always stand the test of time.

Country of Origin Pakistan (PK-), Afghanistan (AF-), India (IN-)

CHOBI

Diamond Our Diamond rugs are hand knotted in India with soft, muted tones that are ideal for the modern home. Traditionally the hand spun wool is dyed with a unique method using hand gathered fruits, vegetables, roots, tree barks and dried fruit shells. These stunning pieces show intricate craftsmanship that will impart their subtle beauty for generations to come.

Country of Origin India Indian hand woven rug weaving is a tradition dating back to the 16th century, showing influences of Persian rug making. The Indian weavers added their own elements, with rich colours and a unique weaving style. The Indo-Persian rugs were most notably colourful and developed with floral and animal designs. The Indian tradition was developed using fine wool and silk. In India today, much of the wool is imported from Australia and New Zealand, giving these rugs a fine hand-feel, adding to the precision work by Indian weavers.

DI AMOND

Hamedan Hamadan is a city situated in the rugged mountains of western Iran, and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is a trade centre for rugs manufactured in the nearby villages and cities. There are roughly 1500 villages in the area, with each village producing two destinct designs, giving about 3000 different styles! The colours are dominated by different nuances of indigo blue and madder red. The woolen yarn from local sheep is hardy and strong, providing a durable surface and beautiful colour scale with a soft and silklike sheen. Patterns are mostly geometric, with floral motifs also present.

HAMEDAN

Hossainabad Hossainabad rugs are woven by semi-nomad peoples in west central Iran. They are extremely durable due in part to their fine construction and also to the quality of wool, which is spun from sheep living in higher altitudes and cooler temperatures. This makes them perfect for use in high traffic areas such as entrances and hallways.

HOSSAINABAD

Khal Mohammadi Khal Mohammadi rugs are named after their creator, who developed the deep red tones that characterise this style. Handmade in Afghanistan and Iran, the design of these rugs vary but always feature repeated columns of ‘gul’, or ‘elephant foot’, motif. A short, clipped pile creates a neat look that will last for generations.

KHAL MOHAMMADI

Kashan Produced in the city of Kashan and crafted from fine quality wool, one of these exquisite pieces will take a professional weaver many years to complete. Classic designs show a diamond-shaped medallion a floral base; however all-over flowers, pictorial and hunting scenes are also found. It is not an exaggeration to say that these are some of the finest rugs in the world.

KASHAN

Kazak Kazak rugs have elements such as polygons, geometrical medallions and rosettes, presented in a stylized manner. Natural dyes produce soft luminous shades and abrashes resulting in a beautiful sheen. Hand spun woollen yarn is normally used to obtain the variety of vibrant warm colours.

Country of Origin Afghanistan In Pakistan, rug weaving is a tradition dating back to the 16th century, showing influences of Persian rug making. The Pakistan weaving tradition began upon Pakistan becoming separate from India. Pakistani weavers use local wool like Ghazni, which is a strong, thick wool from native sheep.

KAZAK

Kolyaei Beautifully hand knotted and typically in geometric designs, each Kolyaei piece tells a story and is made by the most skilled artisan. Distinctive features are red and ivory tones, as well as shades of blue.

Every handmade, vintage rug from Unitex is unique. The images on this page are examples of this style. You can browse our full range at b2b.unitexint.com, alternatively please get in touch with us for more information.

KOLYAEI

Lori Lori rugs are made by the nomadic Lori people of Western Iran. These nomads would migrate for longer periods of time than other tribes in the region, so their rugs are designed to withstand heavy wear and travelling. Traditionally their carpets feature bright colours with floral or geometric designs. Their rugs are not made to sell commercially, but are made by women following an ancient custom of providing their families with practical woven goods that could give valuable financial security in hard times. Lori rugs are still made by nomadic tribes today, and are increasingly hard to find.

LORI

Mahi The Persian Mahi rug is one of the classic patterns produced by the master carpet weavers in Tabriz since the 16th century. Their quality is exceptional, showing the incredible skill of Persian craftsmanship. The makers of these rugs take such pride in their work that they often weave their signature into the carpet's border. "Mahi" is a Farsi word for an elegant motif known as "fish in the pond". The Mahi design is made up of rosettes framed by a vine scroll and leaves with patterns often resembling jumping fish with stripes, eyes and life-like features. The traditional color palette and bold all over pattern makes this style a popular choice for living rooms and high traffic areas.

MAHI

Nahavand Nahavand is an ancient city south of the Hamedan province in western Iran. Rugs from this city are extremely durable, and are made with soft local lamb's wool that has a beautiful shine like silk. The colours are often a pale rust-red or beige on a dark blue background with patterns that usually have a large medallion in the centre and smaller, nomadic inspired motifs surrounding it.

NAH AVAND

Nain / Naein The city of Nain produces some of the finest carpets in the world, and the word 'Nain' is used as a synonym for 'fine quality'. These rugs are precise, delicate and stunningly beautiful. The intricate designs are created by a team of master weavers and take several years to complete. Only excellent grades of wool and silk are used in their constructions. A Nain rug is truly a rare and precious treasure.

NAIN / NAEIN

Patchwork Our patchworks rugs are fashioned from vintage reclaimed Persian rugs that are overdyed in a variety of colours. They have a low, dense pile which makes them perfect for both domestic and commercial use as they don't pose a trip hazard. A soft, subtle patina shows their journey and becomes a talking point all of its own. These stunning one-of-a-kind pieces are a joyful take on tradition with a modern twist and are the ultimate in luxury, durability and eco-friendly style.

PATCHWORK

Shiraz Shiraz is an ancient city in central Iran that produces an exquisite series of rugs. Shiraz rugs are handmade from pure wool in the small towns and villages that surround the city. Geometric motifs often feature huge diamond-shaped medallions, and sometimes small animals or plants can also be seen.

SHIRAZ

Sirjan Sirjan is a region in Iran renowned for the production of romantic hand knotted rugs of the highest quality. Sirjan rugs are highly sought and their artisan weave makes they highly practical. The tribal designs tend to simplicity and are favoured by designers who love a rustic and modern aesthetic. The gentle nomadic weavers favour bright colours to bring life and energy to their homes.

SIRJAN

Stonewash Stonewashed and overdyed, these rugs are constructed from reclaimed hand woven Persian rugs, making each piece a unique masterpiece of its own, with no two pieces alike. Fashioned from originally handmade and organically dyed woollen vintage Persian rugs, these stunning rugs are a joyful rejuvenation of tradition with a modern twist. Patchwork designs also available.

STONEWASH

Tabriz Tabriz is an ancient city in northwestern Iran and is the most prolific of all carpet centres. Their quality is exceptional, showing the incredible skill of Persian craftsmanship. The makers of these rugs take such pride in their work that they often weave their signature into the carpet's border. Although the designs are unique, a Tabriz rug will often be seen with dense floral motifs, vases or hunting scenes.

TABRIZ

Toysirkan Toysirkan rugs are intricately woven to the highest quality, with unique identifying features, and scarcity in availability, Toysirkan rugs are prized and emulate history, culture and art.

TOYSIRKAN

Ottomans & Cushions Our ottomans are fashioned from vintage reclaimed Persian rugs, with a comfortable cushioned seat and sturdy MDF base. You can choose from ottomans in a patchwork, overdyed style or a more traditional, undyed look created from kilim flat woven rugs. For a unique dĂŠcor item, our cushions are hand made in pure wool with designs inspired by the lives of the nomadic tribes of Iran who create them. Cushions are available in a geometric, tribal style or the whimsical Kazak designs.

Square Patchwork Ottoman

Round Patchwork Ottoman

Square Kilim Ottoman

Round Kilim Ottoman

Kazak Cushion

Tribal Cushion

Every handmade, vintage ottoman and cushion from Unitex is unique. The images on this page are examples of this style. Please contact us on (02) 9669 6317 for more information or visit our showroom to view our full collection.

OTTOMANS & CUSHIONS

Unitex head office & showroom 53 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, NSW, 2015 PO Box 7314 Alexandria, NSW, 2015 P (02) 9669 6317 F (02) 9669 5810 E enquiries@unitexint.com

W www.unitexint.com