Though not as famous as Agra, Amritsar is also a place known for rug making, for the rugs made here are superior and most sought after among the Indian rugs of 19th century. Just as its place of origin, antique Amritsar rugs also never got as famous as their Agra counterparts. Ironically, they had a finer feel than Agra rugs and had superior quality as these were mostly made for exporting to the Western countries.
Amritsar lies towards the north-western side of India, close to Kashmir and Lahore, the capital of Punjab. During the 19th century and after that, Amritsar was known solely for its rug making and carpet manufacturing. Rug making became one of the thriving industries of Amritsar during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who took over Kashmir, which was a major centre during those times of shawl weaving. Unlike the Agra rugs that had a tradition to follow of the Mughals who were ruling over the area, Amritsar did not have a particular tradition to follow and therefore modelled their designs and motifs on those of the Persian and Turkish rugs.
It was a time when Indian rugs were hugely on demand in the West, and therefore the antique Amritsar rugs began to be manufactured mainly to be exported. This is evident in the quality of the rugs, which were the best as they were made using high quality wool, taken from the sheep grazing in the lush green valleys of Kashmir. This wool was mixed with cotton, thus adding a feel and texture of luxury and quality.
Amritsar rugs, following the Persian pattern, had floral motifs, especially the millefleur or "thousands of flowers" motif on colours like light blue, mauve yellow and teal. Some of them also had burgundy or aubergine tones with softer palates. Another pattern that Amritsar rugs followed was the mythical beast pattern that was also inspired from the Persian style. The size of these rugs was also larger than other Indian carpets because, as mentioned earlier, these were made to export. Most of the antique Amritsar rugs therefore came in huge and palace size. In short, these rugs were matching the ambience of the Western homes than that of the East.
Despite the better quality of the rugs, the Amritsar rugs never became as famous as the other Indian rugs like Agra rugs. Historians state that this could be because while Agra rugs were known only by that name, antique Amritsar rugs were mostly known by their trade names given by the British merchants who were importing them than by the name of the place where these rugs were made. Yet, Amritsar rugs never fail to add richness and grandeur to your rooms with their heritage and beauty.
One of the most popular suppliers in the United States of rugs and carpets of different types, Doris Leslie Blau aims to add elegance and beauty to modern living rooms with its various products. Doris Leslie Blau offers antique Indian rugs and carpets including antique Amritsar rugs, Agra rugs, Dhurrie rugs, etc.
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