The vintage rugs offered in the Hemp Bouquet collection were all handwoven in the Anatolian countryside by village women for their home use. Most date from the mid 1900s. There are regional similarities in design and motifs, yet no two rugs are the same and the diversity is astounding.

Length: 11 feet 9 inches (358 cm)

Width: 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)

Area: 75 square feet (7.0 square meters)

Weight: 27.03 Pounds (12.26 kilograms)

Condition: Used, washed repeatedly, otherwise excellent

This colorful rug was woven on a vertical loom by women living in the inland Black Sea region of Anatolia. The expansive pure hemp field is crossed by bold goat hair and faint pink and blue dyed hemp bands and embellished with scattered “scorpion” motifs woven with goat hair and synthetic yarns. The ends are rolled and stitched with hemp thread to prevent raveling and fraying. This rug is lovingly worn and very soft.

Asymmetrical edges, goat bands crossing only one half, and the seemingly random placement of bright motifs, reflects the weaver’s spontaneity. Intensely bright scorpions form an strong contrast to the natural hemp, appearing to scurry across sunset colored sands. The two simple motifs near one end may be the weaver’s signature. Faded pink and blue hemp bands remind us of the hard service this rug has endured, and its long life to come.