BUKHARA (from Turkestan)

Bukharas are among the most famous rugs in the whole world. Their classic design, based on repetitions of the gul motif arranged evenly over the entire field and enclosed in a frame of minutely decorated borders is splendid example of balance and harmony between shapes and decorations. Bukhara rugs are ageless, the pattern has remained essentially unchanged over centuries, and yet they are still timely and suitable for the most modern as well as the most classic homes. The materials are also a true source of pride: Russian Bukhara rugs are made with a wool that is soft, shiny and even pleasing to touch. Bukhara rugs are produced in a large area, in fact the Turkmen tribes that make them live in the area between Turkestan (former USSR), Afghanistan and Iran. The Russian rugs are the most prized, also because of the special washing process they undergo (Kiskan process) that makes them even softer and gives the colours a special sheen. There are many imitations that are made mainly in Pakistan and China: they enjoyed some success over the years because of their low costs, but they are a far cry in terms of quality and beauty, from the genuine items.