The definition of an Oriental carpet is one that is produced in Asia, with the main rug exporters being πand Iran. Iranian carpets may also be referred to as Persian, but it is only carpets made in Iran that may be referred to by this name. The other countries listed cannot produce by definition a Persian carpet. There are two main types of loom used in the making of Oriental rugs:
Horizontal loom - This is the more primitive of the 2 types. It was mainly used with Nomadic weaving as they are small enough to transport and can be rolled up and re-assembled with ease (hence it was not possible to make large rugs on these looms as they would have been too heavy and awkward to transport). They would be used for making rugs such as Soumak, Dhurrie or Kelim.
Vertical loom - Similiar to the horizontal loom with two beams on the side but they are normally found in workshops or sedentary rug making areas. It is much easier to make larger carpets on these looms. Two weavers can easily work side by side. There are two types of knots that tend to be woven on this type of loom
Oriental rugs can be made from a mixture of natural and man made materials. The term Oriental covers a very wide range of different types of rugs and there are many factors that can change the carpets appearance, from materials, weaving technique, elements and geographical design. Some of the most common types of Oriental rugs include the traditional or more Classic, Tribal and Flatware Kilim rugs.
