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Bed Linen - Bedspreads & Bedsheets from India

CARPET - CARPETS

The carpet weaving trade in India has flourished manifold and Indian carpets are famous the world over due to the skilled craftsmanship and ace expertise of the Indian artisans. Carpets are designed in highly idealistic and contemporary style while retaining the Indian traditional tone. Carpets can energize any flooring and impart a whole new vibrant feeling to the room. A great deal of expertise is employed to tie the knots by the weavers, on upright wooden looms of traditional designs. Vertical looms are used in sizes varying from five to sixty feet, with three to five weavers, working on each. The quality and durability of the carpet is determined by the number of knots per unit area in combination of the design, colors and quality of yarn. It is important to note the firmness, thickness and appearance of the back of the carpet as these are essential parameters to judge the quality of the carpet in totality.

The Indian namdah, which is a kind of felt rug, may be used on a daily basis as a floor bed, pillow, dining table, door partition, wardrobe and a suitcase, while traveling. Kashmir is famous for making the Kashmiri namdah, which comprises of layers of compressed wool stuck together with natural gum. Woolen yarn is then used to decorate it with embroidery. Appliquéd, printed and embroidered namdahs are also famous to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Carpets that are made in the states of Punjab and Haryana usually feature traditional stripes with birds, animal or human forms or similar motifs. Floral motifs and motifs inspired from nature as well as hunting images are also common in carpet making. A fusion of Persian symmetry and traditional contrasting of forms, patterns and colors is also used to create contemporary designs. In Kashmir, carpet design is guided by Talim, the special script for carpet weaving. Designs and patterns of carpets in Kashmir are inspired by Central Asian and Persian rugs.

Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh is especially famous for making exquisite varieties of carpets. These carpets are characterized by a luxurious appeal and feature an array of geometric designs usually in black with the background as maroon. However many other luxurious versions of the above are also available. Agra is famous for its silk and woolen yarn carpets. A strong traditional flavor is found in the carpets made in Eluru and Warangal. Carpet weaving in these areas is coarse and loose. Handspun wool and jute thread are commonly used to create attractive designs in Warangal. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, the carpets are usually made of pure wool featuring patterns of dragons, snow lion, stylized chrysanthemum and lotus.

India is quite famous for making prayer carpets as well. The asana, a square of pile carpet, drugget or durrie material, is in a plain single color or austere design and may have a velvety texture. Jute carpets made in West Bengal may feature attractive Persian designs.