The Oriental Collection - Catalog - Page 45
PROCESS
THE DRYING PROCESS
Thousands of brightly coloured rugs, laid out as far as the
After a thorough washing to remove excess pigment from
eye can see. Each one meticulously placed so they form
the dying process, the rug is brushed with a pile brush to
a grid with makeshift passageways leading throughout the
ensure the pile or nap all dries in the same direction. Then
countless red dots that look like massive pixels.
the rug is thoroughly and professionally dried. Drying can
take several days and is carried out either on a stone floor or
on wooden or metal poles.
This is rug drying. A process that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. It’s an important part of rug
making that often goes overlooked. Drying stabilises the
It’s important that the drying process is done as carefully as
colour pigments, helps the rug maintain its shape, and pre-
possible. If dried incorrectly, the rug loses its symmetrical
vents unwanted odours from emanating from the organic
shape, shine and colour intensity – destroying the months or
material. It’s like framing a piece of art to keep it protected
years of hard work placed into weaving the rug.
from the elements and looking new as long as possible.
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