|
Among the
classical designs, the Column rugs are uniquely pictorial and
directional An architecturally structured space is clearly
delineated, through which we view an infinite void ("eternal
paradise"). As in many of the classical patterns, the
genesis of these designs is passionately debated. They
have traditionally been regarded as Islamic prayer rugs, with
the Mihrab, the orientation towards Mecca being represented in
the archway. A more radical thesis holds that they were
exclusively woven for the Christian market, as carpets to be
hung on the wall, perhaps even more specifically for the Saxon
churches in Transylvania, where we find most of the surviving
examples. Several carpets, like the ones that have inspired
the first two we have woven (shown above) although differing in
coloration and in the minor details, are so close in
overall structure and design that we believe they were woven in the same
workshop, perhaps even by the same weaver. |
