The "Elephant Footprint" Makes Its Design Mark In Today's Decor

An amazing specimen of Turkmen carpet was discovered in 1947 during the excavations of ancient burial ground in Altai at the Pazyryk barrow preserved in a permafrost area. It was aged by the radiocarbon dating method and identified as 2,400 years old. 

Rug weaving and designs are ancient, but their appeal rarely wanes. Fads come and go, and different patterns of hand knotted one-of-a-kind rugs come in and out of favor. Now, Turkmen Buhkara rugs are all the rage. Their geometric pattern lends itself quite nicely to the modern lines and sensibility of mid-century, retro and modern eclectic spaces. 

A Turkmen rug (Turkmen: Türkmen haly; or Turkmen carpet or Turkoman carpet) is a type of handmade floor-covering textile traditionally originating in Central Asia. It is useful to distinguish between the original Turkmen tribal rugs and the rugs produced in large numbers for export mainly in Pakistan and Iran today. (Wikipedia)

The Elephant Footprint pattern known as Teke is often referred to as the "Bukhara" print design. There are many spellings of this word - Bohkara & Bokhara being two other variations.

At the end of the 20th century, carpet weaving in Turkmenistan had become one of the most important sectors of the economy. In 1992, Turkmen Carpet Day officially became a public national holiday, celebrated annually on the last Sunday in May. Among the modern Turkmen carpets stands the world's largest handmade carpet total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 entered in the  Guinness Book of Records.

Not too shabby a pedigree and provenance, right? While the designs are similar each rug is slightly different - sometimes dramatically so. The hint is to look for that footprint. That is very distinctive. Also, these rugs can come in more colors than red, the most popular color. 

Bokhara rugdesigns originated from the Samarkand and Bokhara Region. Bokhara rugshold a high place in history and compete with the best in the world. Bokharas are a traditional piece of art suitable for any interior décor. Bokhara rug popularity has been on the increase in recent years and the quality are workmanship is very consistent with ancient methods. (Rugbiz)

"Bokhara is a favorite of mine because of its bright, lively vibrant color and its simple repetitive pattern. It instantly makes a space look rich. Also, pairing it with the modern bone leather sectional brought out the contemporary features of the rug even though the design is one of the oldest." ~ Designer Jacque Hubl

Above a terracotta brick orange adds just the right note to this kitchen. Also, the pattern will hide any mishaps that may happen there at the stove. Put a thick pad underneath and it will surely save your back if you stand at the sink or counter for long periods - like holiday baking. Smaller ones can be used for entryways too. 

Above tribal Khal Mah tribal rug, the same style found throughout the Pittock Mansion in NW Portland, is seen here at the Watzek House on Skyline Blvd. 

View a wide selection of these well priced hand knotted rugs at any of our showrooms.