Rug Cleaning Thame
Oriental Rug Spa offer a specialist Persian, Oriental and Turkish rug cleaning for Thame, Oxfordshire. We also offer a rug repair service. If you own a dirty or soiled rug that needs professional cleaning, then why not give us a call on 01276 423 150. We can arrange collection and delivery for you. The rug wash process required can differ from rug to rug, so we offer various methods of rug cleaning, from full immersion washing to dry cleaning. All rug fibres can be cared for – wool, cotton, silk, viscose, rayon. We can carry out a pet stain and odour treatment, moth treatment and apply a fibre protection to resist against soiling and staining. We have extensive experience with cleaning antique rugs and rugs with unstable dyes and offer a rug repair service, including fringes, sides and pile reweaving.
Afghan Rug
Afghan rug history can be traced back thousands of years. The art of rug weaving in Afghanistan has deep cultural roots and has been passed down through generations.
The earliest evidence of rug making in Afghanistan dates back to the Bronze Age, around 2500 BCE. Ancient civilizations like the Aryans, Persians, and Greeks who inhabited the region contributed to the development of Afghan rug weaving techniques.
In the 7th century CE, the Arab conquest of Afghanistan brought Islamic influence to the region, which affected the designs and motifs used in the rugs. Islamic geometric patterns and calligraphic elements became prominent features in Afghan rug design.
During the medieval period, Afghanistan was an important center for trade along the Silk Road. This brought cultural exchanges with neighboring regions, resulting in the fusion of various rug weaving traditions. The Turkmen, Uzbek, and Baloch tribes also played a significant role in the development of Afghan rug weaving during this time.
In the 19th century, the Afghan monarchy began promoting rug production as a form of national industry. The rulers encouraged local artisans to produce high-quality rugs for export, especially to European markets. This led to the rise of a thriving rug industry in Afghanistan, particularly in cities like Herat and Kabul.
However, in the 20th century, political and social turmoil had a negative impact on Afghan rug production. The Soviet invasion in the 1980s and subsequent years of conflict disrupted the industry and caused many weavers to flee the country.
Despite these challenges, the art of rug weaving in Afghanistan has persevered. Afghan rugs are renowned for their unique designs, bold colors, and exceptional quality. Traditional techniques are still practiced by skilled artisans, and many rural communities rely on rug weaving as their primary source of income.
Today, Afghan rugs continue to be appreciated and sought after worldwide. They showcase not only the rich history and craftsmanship of Afghanistan but also the resilience and creativity of its people.