Knots Rugs

Account

or Create Account

Trade Customer
Or Dealer?

Nothing added yet.

View our Rugs

Journal

History Of The Polonaise Rug

12 Jan 2021

HISTORY OF THE POLONAISE RUG
The Polonaise rug, often mistakingly thought to be of Polish origin, emerged during the reign of Persian emperor Shah Abbas in the late 16th century. The weaving of these rugs became popularised over the course of the 17th century; made with luxurious gold and silver threads, the Polonaise rug increasingly found recognition as an icon of power. Shah Abbas often gifted these hand woven pieces to international visitors of his empire, with European nobility seeing the gift as the height of Eastern splendour. 

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. 


More Journal Posts

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.