17th Century Polonaise rug exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum
POLONAISE RUGS IN THE 17TH CENTURY
The combined use of silk and metal threads demonstrated the technical virtuosity of the weaver, with the carefully considered materials being used to articulate different aspects within the design. Persian carpet designs of this period often consisted of scrolling vines and palmette motifs, which stepped away from the previously popularised hunting and animal scenery of the 15th century.
The name ‘Polonaise’ was first coined at the Paris World’s Fair in 1878, where a number of examples of this type of carpet belonging to a Polish Prince, Ladislaus Czartoryski, were on display. With the Prince’s coat of arms often embroidered onto the design, visitors began to mistake the rugs as being of Polish origin, hence the name ‘Polonaise’ (the French word for ‘Polish’).
KNOTS RUGS 17TH CENTURY POLONAISE DESIGNS
With approximately 300 of the original rugs still in existence today, Knots Rugs have designed a number of 17th Century Polonaise rugs with a contemporary twist. Inspired by the early designs of the Persian weavers, Knots Rugs uses silks as the overriding layer of the rug. The use of oxidised wools within the updated design however increases the 3D effect of the piece, demonstrating a modernised approach to the transition of materials.
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Origins
Visionary Women shifting the Pattern
Behind every Knots rugs lies a story of artistry, tradition and collaboration. But woven even deeper into the fabric of our work is the story of women – visionary, resilient and driven by a desire to create something meaningful. This journal is a celebration of two such women: Bonnie, the founder of Knots Rugs, London and Dolma, one of our most trusted and long-standing production partners based in Nepal. Though worlds apart their lives and work are beautifully linked by a shared passion for rugs, deep respect for craftsmanship, supporting communities and a commitment to empowering women together.
Production
Natural Materials behind every Knots Rug
Each Knots rugs rug weaves a narrative rich not only in color and design but also in materials. The rugs are intricately crafted from materials sourced from the lush silk fields, the majestic Himalayan highlands, and the green hillsides covered with wild nettle. Our rugs are born from nature’s own palette, woven with materials that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. At Knots Rugs, our work begins long before a single knot is tied. It starts in nature, where the finest, most ethical, and sustainable fibers are found. We work with all the different fibers in the world, from Tibetan wool, Chinese silk, wild silk, nettle, hemp, and cactus.
Production
How a Rug gets its Colours
When you’re thinking of a design for a rug, the first thing that might come to your mind is the intricate pattern or overall artwork. But behind the allure of each beautiful rug lies an important and complicated process which often goes unnoticed - the art of selecting colours.