Introducing the Soft Melody Oushak Rug, a stunning piece that encapsulates the blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. This rug originates from the region around Agra, India, where it is predominantly handwoven by skilled artisans in their homes, employing centuries-old practices.

The quality of the Soft Melody rug lies in its luxurious material composition. It is crafted using a blend of imported, long-staple New Zealand wool (making up 50-75% of the blend) and either superior local wool or South African wool. This combination ensures a glossy, lustrous finish that sets it apart from rugs made solely with local wools. The imported New Zealand wool is carefully hand-carded and hand-spun into yarn in the surrounding regions of Agra, contributing to the local craft's sustainability.

One notable feature of this rug is its unique yarn construction. Unlike the more common two-ply yarns, each knot of the Soft Melody rug incorporates a single thread, resulting in a thicker, denser, and significantly heavier yarn. This, along with the use of an asymmetrical Persian-type knot, creates a distinct texture with prominently visible knots, enhancing the rug's tactile and visual appeal.

The Soft Melody rug boasts a density of 6x6, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship involved in its creation. This density adds to the rug's durability and enhances the clarity of its intricate design.

Constructed with a 100% wool pile and cotton foundations, this rug features tightly spun cotton warps and is mostly double-wefted, with a pile height of approximately 3/8 inch. The handspun yarn gives rise to subtle color variations, imparting each rug with a unique aesthetic due to the artisanal dyeing techniques employed.

The coloration of the Soft Melody rug is ensured by utilizing chromium dyes. These high-quality dyes, primarily imported from Switzerland, provide resistance to fading and maintain vibrant hues over time, surpassing the qualities of inferior synthetic dyes. The application of these chromium dyes in India combines international and local resources.

Soft Melody Oushak rugs bear a striking resemblance to traditional 19th-century Turkish Oushaks, particularly in their comparably large knots. Notably, the use of a single ply of thick yarn contributes to the rug's delightful nubby texture, prominently visible at the base of each knot.

While traditional Oushaks often feature a dense pile that wears down over time, Soft Melody Oushaks derive their appeal from this charming worn appearance. The reduced pile down to the knot's base adds depth and character to the rug, creating an additional layer of aesthetic appeal.

In contrast to rugs with thicker piles that may conceal texture, the more subdued pile of Soft Melody Oushaks allows the nubby texture to shine, avoiding an overly fluffy appearance that can detract from the rug's visual appeal.