Polonaise Handwoven Transitional Rug, J63393

This Indian rug originates from Rajasthan and features a transitional Polonaise design. The background is predominantly beige, complemented by a sage border, both of which add to its elegant yet understated appeal. The rug is newly woven, crafted with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, ensuring durability and a pleasant texture underfoot.

The final washing and finishing processes for this rug take place in Jaipur. These steps, including the use of chromium dyes, contribute to the rug's color accuracy, light fastness, and consistency, particularly with the antique finishing techniques employed. The weaving process involves smaller contractors who distribute pre-dyed, hand-spun wools to villages outside Jaipur, extending even to areas such as Bikaner. Weavers, working primarily from their homes, are paid by the square meter. Larger rugs, especially those wider than 10 feet, are usually woven on stationary horizontal looms in designated villages.

Rajasthan rugs, including this one, are constructed using the asymmetrical Persian knot, a method that has been a hallmark of Rajasthani weaving for centuries. This knotting technique contributes to the rug's unique ribbed texture. The wool used is a blend of Ghazni wool from Afghanistan and South African wool, adding to the rug's quality.

The double-wefted foundation includes a thick bottom weft with multiple dense cotton ply layers and a thinner, white upper weft. When the rug is sheared, the white upper weft becomes visible, mimicking the worn appearance of genuine antique rugs and adding texture. The designs are inspired by antique Persian and Khotanese carpets, with colorations that blend traditional and modern aesthetics.

This particular rug features a detailed and symmetrical ornamental pattern in subdued gray, beige, muted orange, and blue tones, creating a vintage aesthetic. The bordering consists of layers of small, repeating motifs, framing the central design. The patterns are densely packed, ensuring numerous points of intricate detail. At its center, a large medallion with radial symmetry adds to the rug's visual impact.

With a knots-per-square-inch (KPSI) rate of 104, this rug includes a total of 1,224,055 individually hand-tied knots, reflecting the skill and effort invested in its creation.