It’s funny the way rug art reveals itself. What often demands openness becomes closed because of our failure to see. The potential for a real art experience becomes diminished.
Of course the idea that the rug speaks to the viewer immediately can be valid. Love at first sight based on intuition and knowledge may be enough to understand and experience the mysteries of some carpets. However there are times a rug appears meaningful or beautiful at first and then quickly fades into the realm of boring and obvious. Even those with rug knowledge, dealers and collectors, have fallen into this trap. After a short time, they find their rug becomes mute without the voice of connection. They have failed to truly see.
Southern Caucasus c. 1900
Early 20th Century Kazak
Any rewarding encounter with any art requires the stripping away of expectations and the familiar. Good rugs demand our willingness to look, really look, at what the rug is trying to express and how it is trying to express it. After years of looking at one’s rug, the delight should remain as one continues to discover new feelings and insights into their rug’s nature.
Good rugs have secrets. The role of the viewer is to listen.
Antique Tekke, early 19th century
Early Ersari bag front, mid 19th century
