Discover the Beauty of Handmade Hereke Rugs

Step into the world of Turkish Hereke carpet making with Little-Persia’s stunning rugs. They’re based in Glasgow and bring you the finest handcrafted Hereke rugs. These rugs are famous worldwide for their fine details and top quality.

Reza Cheshmehdoost founded Little-Persia. His love for Persian and Oriental rugs drives the business. You’ll find each rug carefully selected for its beauty and art. These silk Hereke rugs are meant to be family treasures.

Hereke rugs have up to one million knots per square meter for silk types. They use over 30 colors like red, dark blue, yellow, and orange. They bring elegance to any room. The double knot method makes them very strong. This means they are both a luxury and an artwork you can enjoy for a long time.

The Origin of Hereke Rugs

Hereke is in Kocaeli, Turkey, known for its *Hereke carpet history*. It’s near the Silk Road and close to places famous for making silk. Hereke is famous for its beautiful, handmade carpets made for Ottoman palaces.

In 1845, the Dadyan brothers started the first private weaving factory. This made Hereke a key place for *Ottoman Empire luxury textiles*. By 1890, carpets from Hereke could be sold in Istanbul, making them even more popular.

The weaving factory became the *Hereke Imperial Factory*. Sultan Abdulmecid asked for carpets for the Dolmabahçe Palace in 1891. The factory also made fez hats, curtains, and undershirts by 1905.

The carpets had over 200 floral designs, like tulips and hyacinths. They were made using the strong Gordes (Turkish) knot. This made the carpets very durable and showed the high skill of Hereke’s weavers.

Craftsmanship Behind Hereke Rugs

The skill used to make a Hereke rug by hand is truly amazing. It uses a special knotting method that makes the rugs very strong. This way, the rugs last a long time and have beautiful patterns.

Hereke rugs often use top-quality materials like silk and wool. Silk rugs from Hereke have a shiny look because they use fine silk threads. They can have more than 1,000 knots per square inch. Wool rugs are warm and cozy. They usually have between 100 to 300 knots per square inch. This makes the patterns on these rugs very detailed and pretty.

Real Hereke rugs show outstanding skill with their clear lines and tidy knots. The colors are bright, with deep reds, blues, and greens. These colors make each rug look special. The edges of a true Hereke rug are also made very well. They use a special method called double-weft to make the edges stronger.

The Hereke name was established in 1905 to protect these special rugs. After the Turkish Republic was formed, interest in making Hereke rugs grew again in the 1950s. Today, Hereke silk rugs are very popular worldwide. They are loved by people who collect art. They admire the rugs for their fine quality and the traditional way they are made.

Understanding the Double Knot Technique

Hereke carpets stand out thanks to the Gordes (Turkish) knot. Also known as the double knot, it makes the carpets super durable. Because of this knot, Hereke rugs are famous for lasting a long time.

Hereke weavers are very skilled. They can make very detailed designs using high knot densities. For example, silk Hereke rugs may have over 1,000 knots in each square inch. This shows how much effort and detail go into making these rugs.

This special knot also makes a 45-degree angle in the carpet pile. It makes the rug more stable and strong. Even if a rug is damaged, the knots won’t come loose. This is because of a special method that’s added while weaving.

Hereke wool carpets are made with lots of care. They have between 100 to 300 knots in a single square inch. With colors like dark blue, ivory, and cinnamon, they add beauty to a room.

But what makes Hereke rugs so tough isn’t just the knots. It’s the use of top-quality materials like silk from Bursa. The dedication to making each carpet reflects Hereke’s long and proud history.

Materials Used in Hereke Rugs

Hereke rugs are known worldwide for their top materials and careful making. They use real silk and fine wool. These are spun and woven to make rugs of beauty and strength.

Pure Silk Hereke rugs are loved for their softness and shine. Bursa silk is often used because it feels so good and lasts. These silk rugs show great skill in making them. They have many knots in each inch, over 1,000. This makes the rugs have very detailed designs and a soft, fancy touch.

Hereke rugs use high-quality wool too. They are made with great care, with some having over 400 knots in each inch. This shows they are not just pretty but also strong. They will look beautiful for many years.

The base of Hereke rugs is made of cotton. This is where the design is woven. It also uses a special double-knotting way called the Gordes knot. This makes the rugs very strong. The choice of materials and how they are used makes Hereke rugs the best in quality and beauty.

Design and Patterns of Hereke Rugs

Hereke rugs are famous for the detailed designs from the Ottoman Empire. They show the rich art of this time with their beautiful patterns. Traditional Hereke patterns have a lot of nature elements in them.

The rugs often have pictures of tulips, hyacinths, almonds, and flower bouquets. More than 200 types of these pictures can be found. These symbols are meaningful, coming from Sufi culture. The colors, like green, blue, and red, make the rugs look even more beautiful.

Hereke rugs also have shapes and scenes from Ottoman history. They use special patterns like medallions and symmetrical designs. This makes the rugs balanced and interesting. Making one rug can take a year of hard work.

These rugs have a lot of knots, which makes them strong. They use silk and wool, with up to a million knots in some silk rugs. They are very high quality and are loved by art collectors and fans.

The Popularity of Hereke Rugs Among Collectors

Since the 1800s, Hereke rugs have amazed collectors with their detailed designs. They feature up to one thousand knots per square inch. This makes them very special in the world of fine textiles.

During Sultan Abdulhamid II’s time, Hereke workshops grew to serve the rich and officials. This made the rugs even more famous. Today, collectors love Hereke rugs not just for their history but also for their unique mix of designs.

Hereke rugs come in various colors and are adorned with gold and brown. They may even have a maker’s signature in Naskhi script. Their different sizes make them fit any space beautifully.

Ranging in size from smaller than 3 feet to over 14 feet, Hereke rugs are made with care. They use high-quality materials like wool and silk. Their exquisite patterns, like the tree of life, add to their beauty and draw collectors from around the world.

Hereke Rugs: A Testament to Ottoman Luxury

In the late 19th century, Sultan Abdulmecid showed off the Ottoman Empire’s wealth. He ordered special carpets from Hereke for the Dolmabahçe Palace. These rich carpets were made by master weavers from the Hereke Factory. They were made to decorate only the finest royal buildings. The rugs at Dolmabahçe Palace are still famous today for their detailed designs and high quality. Some even have more than 1,000 knots per square inch, showing how skilled the weavers were.

The Hereke carpets for the palaces were full of rich colors like deep red, blue, and green. These were mixed with softer colors of ivory, gold, and beige. This mix of colors added to the luxurious look of the Ottoman style. The rugs often showed off flowers, shapes, and bits of Ottoman history. These designs point to the cultural value and careful work of that time.

Sultan Abdülmecid I started the Hereke Imperial Factory in 1843. Even though it closed later, Hereke’s weavers kept the rug-making skill alive. This shows how important these carpets are even today. It’s a reminder of the luxury that Hereke rugs were known for.

Identifying Genuine Hereke Rugs

There are key ways to spot a real Hereke rug. These include the Hereke carpet signature and the materials used. Real Hereke rugs are usually made of silk. They have an unmatched smoothness and sheen. They also have over 1,000 knots in every square inch. This shows how carefully they were made.

To tell if a rug is truly Hereke, check for its signature. Real Hereke rugs have a signature that shows where and by whom they were made. These signatures are found in the rug’s fringe or in the design. Keyseri rugs, made with cheaper materials, do not have these signatures. This makes them stand out as fakes.

Looking at how a rug is made can also help you know if it’s genuine. Hereke rugs have special selvages that are tightly wrapped. They are made from the same material as the rug’s base. This may be silk or wool. On the other hand, fakes like Chinese Herekes might look good but they don’t have this level of detail.

It’s also important to know the type of silk used. Real Hereke rugs are made with natural silk which is quite expensive. But Keyseri rugs use an artificial type that isn’t as lustrous or durable. By paying attention to these material clues, and with help from experts, you can make sure you’re buying a real work of art.

Caring for Your Handmade Hereke Rug

Taking good care of your handmade Hereke rugs keeps them beautiful for a long time. You should have them cleaned by professionals every 10-15 years. This is important because it stops dirt from harming the fibers.

It’s best to gently vacuum your rug every week to keep dust and crumbs out. For a deeper clean, vacuum it all over each month. Be aware that new rugs might shed some wool, but this should stop soon.

If your rug gets a small spill, cleaning it is not hard. Mix a little mild soap or rug shampoo with cold water. But remember, don’t use too much water, and avoid scrubbing hard.

Hereke silk rugs need the right room conditions to stay in good shape. A room that stays between 65 to 70°F is perfect, with 50 to 55% humidity. Light and dust are not good for these rugs. Using window coverings and moving the rugs sometimes helps protect them.

When you’re not using your rug, store it in a cool, dry place. Make sure it stays away from attics and basements. These places can be too damp, attracting pests. Washing your rug by hand can help remove stains.

Here’s how you can clean your Hereke rug at home. Mix half a cup of shampoo, four and a half cups of warm water, and one tablespoon of vinegar. This mix prevents the colors from running. After washing, dry the rug lying flat in a room with good air flow. Don’t step on it until it’s completely dry. A well-cared-for Hereke rug will feel soft and look perfect.

The Importance of Color in Hereke Rugs

The colors in Hereke carpets are key to their beauty. Each color has a special meaning. They are chosen carefully to tell a cultural story and bring joy. The main colors are red, yellow, blue, and green. They make people feel different things.

Hereke rugs keep their bright colors for a long time. This is because they use dyes from nature. These dyes come from plants and animals. The tradition of using these dyes has been around for a long time.

Hereke carpets use more than 30 colors. This includes red, pink, beige, blue, and many more. Artisans use these colors to create beautiful patterns. One famous pattern is the “Flower of Seven Mountains.” These colors make each rug unique and meaningful.

The weavers in Hereke pay a lot of attention to color. They blend the colors in a special way. This shows how much they care about their work. Every Hereke rug is special, showing off a mix of beautiful, meaningful colors.

Famous Hereke Rugs in Ottoman Palaces

Hereke rugs are known for their grand designs, found in famous Ottoman palaces. They were first made for Sultan Abdulmecid in 1891 for the Dolmabahçe Palace. This established them as special, only for palaces rugs.

These rugs stand out with detailed patterns and the special Gordes knot. They were placed in places like the luxurious Ciragan Palace. The hard work put into these rugs made them perfect for grand settings.

Each rug tells a story of luxury. They use over thirty colors and more than two hundred flower designs. These rugs decorated palaces to show the splendor of the Ottoman time.

Modern-Day Hereke Carpets

Today, Hereke rugs still reflect ancient skills, showing the best in today’s Oriental rugs. Hereke, found 60 kilometers east of Istanbul, is known for making fine, luxurious carpets. These Turkish carpets stand out for their top quality and ageless designs.

Modern Hereke carpets can be priced from $599 to an impressive $11,590. The Grand Sarab Collection Wool Rug is the most costly. Many rugs are sold at around $1,379, making them affordable to many. There are also vintage pieces available for collectors, like a Vintage Kilim Wool Rug at $4,879.

RugSource offers a large collection of 282 Hereke rugs, showing a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. These handwoven carpets come from Turkey, India, and China, known for their strength due to the double knot method.

Antique rugs like the Antique Kilim Wool Rug, priced at $7,499, offer exceptional quality and workmanship. A Hereke rug can last a long time and grow in value. This is thanks to the silk from Bursa and the complex knotting, sometimes reaching a million knots per square meter.

In the end, Hereke’s modern rugs combine old wisdom with new ideas. Places like Rugway make buying safe, ensuring the tradition of high-quality Hereke rugs lives on.

Investing in Hereke Rugs

Investing in Hereke rugs is more than a smart money move. It’s an investment in art, tradition, and history. The Turkish rug market always has a strong interest in these luxury carpets. It’s not hard to see why, with a variety of options like Antique Hereke rugs, Vintage Silk Hereke rugs, and more. This variety delights both lovers of history and those looking to invest.

The main reason these Hereke carpets are so special is their detailed making. Each one has over a million knots in every square meter. They use top-quality materials like silk, wool, and natural dyes. Even the smaller rugs can take a weaver a whole year to finish. This shows the high skill and effort put into making each one.

Hereke rug sizes can fit any room, from small to large areas. What’s unique is that many are signed. Turkish Herekes often have signatures in their top-right corners. This signing adds to their value and keeps them special in the Turkish rug world.

These rugs attract a lot of attention from buyers. This makes investing in Hereke rugs a bright idea. Since the times of the Ottoman Empire, these rugs have had their own place. They hold a lot of historical value and are still very popular. Whether it’s an Antique or a Vintage Silk Hereke, their history and fine workmanship make them treasures.

Hereke Rugs Compared to Imitations

Hereke rugs are loved for their detailed designs and fantastic make. But they often compete with copies from places like Keyseri, Turkey, and China. It’s key to know what to look for when telling a real Hereke from a fake one. One big thing to check for is the artist’s signature. Genuine Hereke rugs almost always have one, but you hardly ever see it on the Keyseri copies. In a Turkish Hereke, you might find the signature in the top right corner. However, in a Chinese one, it could be in the kilim part of the rug.

The materials are a clear giveaway too. Real Hereke rugs use fancy natural silk, while fakes use cheaper stuff like artificial silk. You can tell them apart with a burn test. Real silk burns slowly and smells like burning hair. But artificial silk burns quickly and the flame produces an acrid smell. Also, real Hereke rugs have a special type of edge, like a double weave, that adds to their strength and quality. Fakes usually have a simple edge, showing they’re not as well-made.

Keyseri copies provide a more affordable option, made of mercerized cotton. They look a lot like real Herekes in design. But they don’t have the same level of detail and skill. Chinese Herekes of high quality are also admired by collectors. However, they don’t have the same type of edge as the true silk Herekes. True Hereke silk rugs have a four-cord edge. Chinese ones typically have only one cord, which is a clear sign they’re not authentic.

Buying a Hereke rug is a big deal and it’s best to get help from an expert. Real Hereke silk rugs are very detailed, with many knots per square inch. They can have up to 1,000 knots! Wool Hereke rugs may have fewer knots, between 100 to 300. But they still show the same great skill. Knowing these details helps you see the real worth of a genuine Hereke rug compared to the fakes.