What happens when you combine luxurious quality with captivating craftsmanship? Each hand-knotted rug at Arrant Luxury is a masterpiece, crafted by artisans in the south-east and central Asia. It’s like having a piece of art right under your feet, made with genuine passion.
At Arrant Luxury, we honor age-old techniques, and every rug reflects our commitment to the craft of rug making. Our designs feature complex details and expert skill, a tradition passed down through generations in the far off lands of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. This art has stood the test of time, remaining a cherished practice for thousands of years.
Hand-knotting is a laborious process, requiring significant time and effort. A single rug can take four to five months to complete, with up to four weavers working on it simultaneously. Throughout this process, our focus is on quality, ensuring that each rug is designed to last for generations.
Here's how a hand-knotted rug is crafted:
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Carding and Spinning
First, the finest wool and silk fibers are carefully cleaned and sorted. Then, skilled Nepalese spinners straighten and tease the fibers by hand in a process called carding. These prepared fibers are spun into yarn using a traditional spinning wheel called a 'charkha'.
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Dyeing
The Dye Master prepares the dyes to the desired color, and the yarn is dyed by hand using traditional pot dyeing methods. To ensure quality, the silk and wool yarns are dyed in small batches.
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Drying
The dyed yarn is left to dry naturally in the sun, which gives it a special luster and enhances the color nuances.
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Balling
Once dried, the yarn is wound into balls, getting them ready for the weaving process.
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Galaincha File
Pattern designers create a computer-generated graph known as a galaincha file from the original design. This file serves as a rug map for the weavers, guiding them on the rug pattern and color for each knot.
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Weaving on the Loom
Weavers use a loom to hand-knot the rug. The loom consists of a wooden frame with tightly strung vertical threads called warps. Horizontal weft threads are woven through to create the rug's structure. Each individual knot is created using the Tibetan knot technique, where yarn is knotted around the warp threads and a horizontal metal rod.
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Stretching
After weaving, the rugs are stretched out to dry and pinned to ensure they are the correct size. This process also helps flatten any wrinkles and enhances the colors.
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Shearing and Clipping
The pile height of the rug is evened out using large flat-bladed shears called ‘Kainchi’. Then, hand clipping is done to neaten the design details and remove any uneven threads.
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Binding
The final step involves neatly binding the edges of the rug by hand using coordinating yarn that matches the design.
The result is a luxurious piece of art, crafted with attention to detail. Even the underside of the rug showcases the craftsmanship, with each individual knot visible, reflecting the dedication that goes into creating each designer rug.
FAQs
How do I care for my hand-knotted rug?
To care for your hand-knotted rug, regularly vacuum it on a low setting to remove dirt and debris. Rotate the rug occasionally to prevent uneven wear. Avoid using harsh chemicals or steam cleaning, as these can damage the fibers. Instead, spot clean with a mild detergent and water if necessary.
Are hand-knotted rugs worth the investment?
Yes, hand-knotted rugs are worth the investment because they are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. They are durable and can last for generations with proper care. Additionally, their beauty and uniqueness add value to any space.
