Japanese rugs are highly appreciated for their beauty, texture, delicate designs, and centuries of tradition. With the persistence of time, these rugs have undergone numerous changes over the years. There’s a reason why many collectors are even willing to pay as much as 30 million dollars for a hand-knotted rug! You may wonder how much it takes to buy a traditional Japanese rug, but a trip to Japan will show you just how affordable it can be.
Japanese rugs originated from Japan more than 6000 years ago, with designs evolving over the ages. After World War II, Japan’s occupying forces closed down virtually all weaving in China and prohibited any trade from the country, including importing Chinese rugs. The result was that North American weavers brought to these designs their unique style. Today’s Japanese-style carpets reflect a wide range of influences, from ancient Greek temples to contemporary American fashion trends.
It is considered impossible to recreate the original style of weaving from Chinese silk because most Chinese weavers cannot imitate that style due to a lack of art knowledge and skills.
In contrast to Western carpets, Japanese rugs are often closely associated with a particular place or tradition, reflecting a specific period’s aesthetics. Carpets with finely detailed patterns and colors might be produced for display in an individual’s home, with family members, or with lovers – such as at weddings. These rugs may also be created to represent some aspect of their country or region through designs that pay homage to imperial history.
Compared to Chinese, Korean and Indian rugs, Japanese rugs are considered stiff and not as soft, making them more suitable for living in the Japanese climate. One of the most distinguishable characteristics is the use of two colors, a light color between two darker shades. Also, Japanese rugs tend to be narrow and require a high level of maintenance if they are to look their best.
The Oriental rug market in Japan is one of the largest in Asia and has been growing steadily over the past decade.
Rugs made by hand can last anywhere from several decades to hundreds of years before they wear down. Traditional woven carpets with wool can last up to 100 years, while those woven using silks can last over 200 years. These rugs use distinct designs and vivid colors, which are also woven to take on different shapes as they are knotted to create a rug.
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Materials used for Japanese Rugs:
The natural surroundings of Japan have influenced the textiles used for Japanese rugs. For example, not all the wool used in Japanese rugs comes from Japan. The sheep fleece used in some rugs is usually dyed with natural dyes, while other carpets use thread from indigenous animals such as the Japanese black goat or pygmy goat. An exception to this rule is made for silk, which Chinese goats or sheep can only produce.
These rugs use distinct designs, and vivid colors are woven to take on different shapes as they are knotted to create a rug.
The natural surroundings of Japan have influenced the textiles used for Japanese rugs. For example, not all the wool used in Japanese rugs comes from Japan. The sheep fleece used in some rugs is usually dyed with natural dyes, while other carpets use wool from indigenous animals such as the Japanese black goat or pygmy goat. An exception to this rule is made for silk, which Chinese goats or sheep can only produce.
Process of the making of Japanese rugs:
Japanese rugs go through many processes before they can be sold in stores. Following is the process Japanese rug creators go through to make a fine art piece:
- First, the design is selected, then transferred onto a cotton base. This process is done by hand because the rug cannot be produced in a factory. Yarns are often made by hand, with Japanese rug weavers beginning the process by hand-spinning the yarn. Depending on the type of carpet, some knitting and knotting may also be done by hand.
- There are many ways to produce a carpet through tufting. The most common method involves tufting loops into a cotton base and then joining them to form a carpet. Other tufted rugs are produced from materials like wool that have been further processed, causing them to have better color fastness and higher prices.
- After this process, the designs are washed with dyes and dried to ensure they do not shrink and don’t lose their green color.
- Next, the rug is rewashed with a mixture of soap and beer to create the final shape that would fit and complement the design. Next, the rug is rewashed with a combination of soap and beer to make the final shape that would work and complete the design.
- After drying, rugs are hand-loomed and then hand-knotted by either machine or hand, depending on the carpets’ size and price. Carpets are then washed before they are ready for market. After drying, rugs are hand-loomed and then hand-knotted by either machine or hand, depending on the carpets’ size and price. Carpets are then washed before they are ready for market.
- A variety of methods can be used to obtain binders for Japanese rugs. Some carpets use the traditional process of applying binders with a brush, such as those produced in China or Japan; others use a more modern lamination method to create the carpet’s foundation, commonly found in Europe and the United States.
Types of Japanese rugs:
Japanese rugs are available from various companies and dealers, including online auctions. Although the quality of some rugs is similar, there are considerable differences in specific qualities, prices, and styles of rugs. For example, there are differences between hand-knotted rugs and machine-knotted or cut-pile carpets. While some companies do not use the term “Japonism” to describe their product, others do.
The Japanese word “komon” (九文) means “nine writings” and is a term used to describe an ornate design in Japanese art, but these handmade rugs are not considered to be Japonism. The Chinese and Japanese arts are different, as Chinese silk has been more intricately woven and is closer to the original form of traditional Japonism, while handmade rugs have had a modern twist added to them.
There is little merit in any criticism of these rugs by the Western World. On a practical level, the shapes and colors of Japanese rugs tend to be highly different from those found elsewhere. This can make it difficult for such rugs to fit into the decor of most homes in Western countries. In addition, even though some Japanese carpets have improved over time, carpets like these are still not as high quality as traditional oriental carpets made with finer materials and techniques woven by hand.
Conclusion:
The Japanese rug’s design is considered an essential part of the aesthetics of a rug. In the 21st century, synthetic materials have been introduced in some rugs exhibited at international trade fairs. However, they still need to cover the quality of Japanese rugs. These rugs will still add elegance to your space while giving it the utmost aesthtic that you desire.