MEDIUM RUGS 2

MEDIUM RUGS 2.

HERE YOU WILL FIND rugs of the size 181 to 275cms., or 6ft. to 9ft. long with various width sizes.

Please send any questions or enquiries to me at ldrowcroft@gmail.com

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG. A fascinating example of the type known as "Boucherouite" from the region of Boujad. Although the warp and most of the weft is wool, the randomised piled designs are a mixture of wool, cotton and recycled textile. The first major exhibition was held in late 2010 by Gebhart Blazek and many design elements of this rug can be seen in those featured in the colour text book/catalogue. Reference 2177. Size 200 x 114cms, 6ft 7ins x 3ft 9ins, Euros 366.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG. A fascinating example of the type known as "Boucherouite" from the region of Boujad. Although the warp and most of the weft is wool, the randomised piled designs are a mixture of wool, cotton and recycled textile. The first major exhibition was held in late 2010 by Gebhart Blazek and many design elements of this rug can be seen in those featured in the colour text book/catalogue. Reference 2177. Size 200 x 114cms, 6ft 7ins x 3ft 9ins. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER RUG. At the southern end of the Middle Atlas mountain range in central Morocco lies an area inhabited by Berbers of the Marmoucher group and it is from here this rug was woven. Marmoucher rugs reflect the cold climate and are heavy, with long local woollen piled knots which means they provide warmth. They also have a unique feature and often have a row of knots on the reverse side which run down each side of the rug. This example is an essay in subtle shades of soft colours which are undyed. The weaver used what was available and there are many changes in the shades as the rug progresses from bottom to top. The design is a simple diamond shape and is also undyed. Reference 2709. Size 193 x 130 cms., or 6ft. 4ins. x 4ft. 3ins. Euros 760.

MOROCCAN BERBER RUG. At the southern end of the Middle Atlas mountain range in central Morocco lies an area inhabited by Berbers of the Marmoucher group and it is from here this rug was woven. Marmoucher rugs reflect the cold climate and are heavy, with long local woollen piled knots which means they provide warmth. They also have a unique feature and often have a row of knots on the reverse side which run down each side of the rug. This example is an essay in subtle shades of soft colours which are undyed. The weaver used what was available and there are many changes in the shades as the rug progresses from bottom to top. The design is a simple diamond shape and is also undyed. Reference 2709. Size 193 x 130 cms., or 6ft. 4ins. x 4ft. 3ins. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN ZAINE BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS RUG. The Berber group of Zaine live in one of the higher parts of the Middle Atlas mountain range and their rugs reflect the cold conditions which prevail. They have long, lustrous pile and are tightly woven thus providing the weight and warmth required to combat the cold. The excellent text book "From the Far West: Carpets and Textiles of Morocco", published by the Washington Textile Museum, elaborates on this. Designs are often based on the diamond motif seen in this piece. Pages 68 to 75 of "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" show several examples and give good information on the weaving of Zaine. This is a rare old piece and is in perfect condition. Reference 2711. Size 200 x 145 cms., or 6ft. 7ins. x 4ft. 9in. Euros 1475.

MOROCCAN ZAINE BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS RUG. The Berber group of Zaine live in one of the higher parts of the Middle Atlas mountain range and their rugs reflect the cold conditions which prevail. They have long, lustrous pile and are tightly woven thus providing the weight and warmth required to combat the cold. The excellent text book "From the Far West: Carpets and Textiles of Morocco", published by the Washington Textile Museum, elaborates on this. Designs are often based on the diamond motif seen in this piece. Pages 68 to 75 of "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" show several examples and give good information on the weaving of Zaine. This is a rare old piece and is in perfect condition. Reference 2711. Size 200 x 145 cms., or 6ft. 7ins. x 4ft. 9in. CLOSE UP.

STREET FOOD, MARRAKECH STYLE. The early evening air is filled with smoke from open fires.

DEEP IN THE BAZAAR a shaft of sunlight makes an ideal sleeping place for one of the residents

MOROCCAN BERBER BENI MRIRT CARPET from the Middle Atlas mountain range. Carpets from this group are densely knotted with few weft threads which makes them heavy, durable and, most importantly, warm in the cold mountain climate. Designs are simplistic and wool lustrous. Reference 2731. Size 243 x 175 cms., or 8ft. x 5ft. 9ins. Euros 1125.

MOROCCAN BERBER BENI MRIRT CARPET from the Middle Atlas mountain range. Carpets from this group are densely knotted with few weft threads which makes them heavy, durable and, most importantly, warm in the cold mountain climate. Designs are simplistic and wool lustrous. Reference 2731. Size 243 x 175 cms., or 8ft. x 5ft. 9ins. Euros 1125. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG which is a really old soft, supple piece with many weft threads which allow it to be wrapped around the body for maximum warmth in the cold High Atlas winters. The wool is silky to the feel. The colors are undyed shades of ivory and mid-brown local Berber wool and the rug is from the Azilal region. Weaving from the Berbers of Azilai is comprehensively described in the excellent book "Morokko" by Kurt Rainer from page 113 onwards. Reference 2773. Size 191 x 100 cms., or 6ft. 3ins. x 4ft. Euros 590.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG which is a really old soft, supple piece with many weft threads which allow it to be wrapped around the body for maximum warmth in the cold High Atlas winters. The wool is silky to the feel. The colors are undyed shades of ivory and mid-brown local Berber wool and the rug is from the Azilal region. Weaving from the Berbers of Azilai is comprehensively described in the excellent book "Morokko" by Kurt Rainer from page 113 onwards. Reference 2773. Size 191 x 100 cms., or 6ft. 3ins. x 4ft. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN RUG FROM REHAMNA ON THE PLAINS OF MARRAKECH. To the west and north of Marrakech there are Arab, as opposed to Berber weavers, in an area known as the Haouz. This is a mellow old example, in excellent condition, from the village of Rehamna. The many shades of abrash and also the designs in dark wool along the edges are typical of the village. Plate 26 in the excellent book "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" shows similar work in both design and colors. Reference 2774. Size 191 x 124 cms., or 6ft. 3ins. x 4ft. 1ins. Euros 950.

MOROCCAN RUG FROM REHAMNA ON THE PLAINS OF MARRAKECH. To the west and north of Marrakech there are Arab, as opposed to Berber weavers, in an area known as the Haouz. This is a mellow old example, in excellent condition, from the village of Rehamna. The many shades of abrash and also the designs in dark wool along the edges are typical of the village. Plate 26 in the excellent book "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" shows similar work in both design and colors. Reference 2774. Found in this old house in the Haouz which acts as a collection point for rugs, textiles and repair wools from the area.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG which is heavy, floppy and very warm and was used as a cover during the bitter Middle Atlas winter nights. Most unusually the knotted pile is of mixtures of undyed Berber wool and grey goat hair. It is an old example of a rug made for practical purposes from materials owned by the family. Goats form major portions of Berber flocks and their hair, when woven into rugs and kilims is very durable. It is seldom dyed. Reference 2775. Size 183 x 146 cms., or 6ft. x 4ft. 10ins. Euros 690.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG which is heavy, floppy and very warm and was used as a cover during the bitter Middle Atlas winter nights. Most unusually the knotted pile is of mixtures of undyed Berber wool and grey goat hair. It is an old example of a rug made for practical purposes from materials owned by the family. Goats form major portions of Berber flocks and their hair, when woven into rugs and kilims is very durable. It is seldom dyed. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG. The snow covered peaks of this mountain range can be seen daily from the center of Marrakech and end much further south as the gateway to the Sahara. These peaks are the home of many Berber tribes and the towns are gathering points for the rugs when they are for sale. This exceptional piece was found in Tazenacht and is from the nearby Ait Ouaouzguite Berbers. The individual floral designs seem to float on the depth of background indigo. It is old and in excellent condition. The book "Taznacht" which is the result of original research into the area and its textiles back in the 1990�s, is full of information. Reference 2777. Size 182 x 128 cms., or 6ft. x 4ft. 3ins. Euros 875.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG. The snow covered peaks of this mountain range can be seen daily from the center of Marrakech and end much further south as the gateway to the Sahara. These peaks are the home of many Berber tribes and the towns are gathering points for the rugs when they are for sale. This exceptional piece was found in Tazenacht and is from the nearby Ait Ouaouzguite Berbers. The individual floral designs seem to float on the depth of background indigo. It is old and in excellent condition. The book "Taznacht" which is the result of original research into the area and its textiles back in the 1990�s, is full of information. Reference 2777. Size 182 x 128 cms., or 6ft. x 4ft. 3ins. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER RUG. This colorful old piece had been stored carefully in the southern small town of Ouazazate in the southern High Atlas until I was fortunate to discover it recently. The town is known as the gateway to the Sahara and remembered with affection by those who continue to journey on. The rug is the work of the Ait Douchen, a small Berber tribe in the region. The weaver�s dream to own so many camels is portrayed in her rug. Original research into the High Atlas Berbers and their weaving in the early 1990�s culminated in the publication of the excellent book "Taznacht" and there is good information on the Ait Douchen from page 81 to 84. Reference 2768. Size 266 x 142 cms., or 8ft. 9ins. x 4ft. 8ins. Euros 1850.

MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER RUG. This colorful old piece had been stored carefully in the southern small town of Ouazazate in the southern High Atlas until I was fortunate to discover it recently. The town is known as the gateway to the Sahara and remembered with affection by those who continue to journey on. The rug is the work of the Ait Douchen, a small Berber tribe in the region. The weaver�s dream to own so many camels is portrayed in her rug. Original research into the High Atlas Berbers and their weaving in the early 1990�s culminated in the publication of the excellent book "Taznacht" and there is good information on the Ait Douchen from page 81 to 84. Reference 2768. CLOSE UP OF THE CENTRAL FIELD AND BORDER.

I remember the number -- 56 -- of this old riyad but can never remember the name of the alley it is in. Once inside .... heaven.

Inside. And hundreds of rugs to examine and feel for the wool quality, knotting and condition. Ali has been looking after me for 9 years and on every visit shares his knowledge of the area and the rugs. This is the start of the journey to a new home for the Ait Douchen rug.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG. This is a very harmonious rug with a gentle, soft centre field which is framed with good border work. It is in perfect condition and complete and original. The rug was woven in a village of the Ait Douchen Berbers who are a small little known group. Examples of their work, together with information on the tribe, can be seen in the excellent text book "Taznacht" where plates 3, 4 and 5 are examples. Reference 2771. Size 249 x 140 cms., or 8ft. 2ins. x 4ft. 7ins. Euros 1750.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS RUG. This is a very harmonious rug with a gentle, soft centre field which is framed with good border work. It is in perfect condition and complete and original. The rug was woven in a village of the Ait Douchen Berbers who are a small little known group. Examples of their work, together with information on the tribe, can be seen in the excellent text book "Taznacht" where plates 3, 4 and 5 are examples. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG from the region of Mrirt. In older pieces such as this various shades of one color, usually madder red, were used for the four parts of the whole rug. Here the foundation warps and wefts, overcasting and knots are all shades ranging from deep pink through the spectrum of madder to dark terracotta. The condition is excellent and original. "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" shows similar pieces and has good information on Mrirt rugs on pages and plates 76 to 79. Reference 2783. Size 250 x 95 cms., or 8ft. 3ins. x 3ft. 2ins. Euros 265.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER RUG from the region of Mrirt. In older pieces such as this various shades of one color, usually madder red, were used for the four parts of the whole rug. I found this rug in very unusual circumstances. I was in a bazar buying wool for my restoration work and was joined by two Berbers who had obviously come a very long way to do the same. After they made their choice they told the shopkeeper they did not have enough money but could pay in rugs. They had two, both old and from Mrirt. The shopkeeper was not too interested so I bought them off the travellers and they used the money to pay the shopkeeper.

MOROCCAN BERBER RUG FROM BOUJAD. Even the Berbers of the rest of Morocco regard the weavers from Boujad in the Middle Atlas as eccentric. They adhere only to the rare, unplanned, spontaneous, colorful and totally uninhibited designs. These may be abstract or depictions of nature, religion and superstition, as in this piece. A small human figure of a man guards the whole rug. This is old and was woven with whatever cotton, wool and dyes that were available at the time. A rug from Boujad with similar colors, but not design, and construction is shown as plate 108 in the excellent book "Marokko" by Kurt Rainer. Reference 2787. Size 255 x 123 cms., or 8ft. 4ins. x 4ft. Euros 1150. SEE CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER RUG FROM BOUJAD. Even the Berbers of the rest of Morocco regard the weavers from Boujad in the Middle Atlas as eccentric. They adhere only to the rare, unplanned, spontaneous, colorful and totally uninhibited designs. These may be abstract or depictions of nature, religion and superstition, as in this piece. A small human figure of a man guards the whole rug. This is old and was woven with whatever cotton, wool and dyes that were available at the time. A rug from Boujad with similar colors, but not design, and construction is shown as plate 108 in the excellent book "Marokko" by Kurt Rainer. Reference 2787. THE FIERCE GUARDIAN KEEPS EVIL AWAY FROM THE RUG AND ITS OWNERS.