While the general assumption is that an Oriental rug is a rug from the Orient, or Asia, the term Oriental rug is more correctly used to define how a rug is made. An Oriental rug can actually come from any country.
Oriental rugs are made primarily from silk, cotton or wool, and they are hand woven, which speaks to the artistic features and care that go into crafting such works of art. Oriental area rugs are woven on a loom, which can be vertical or horizontal. And perhaps the most distinguishing factor of an Oriental rug is the type of knot used in their weaving. The two main knots used in an Oriental rug are the Senneh knot and the Ghiordes knot.
Below are some examples of Oriental rugs. Notice the geometrical patterns, which are a distinctive trait of Oriental rugs.
Some Oriental Rugs in Popular Sizes
