Hand-made Oriental rugs are not simply a work of art, but a journey in time and space to an ancient realm of beauty and mystical charm. No other art form bridges so many centuries, spans so many cultures, and captivates so many people around the world as that of the Oriental rug. From the famous Pazyrk carpet, discovered in a 2500-year-old Siberian burial site, to the most contemporary utilizing modem designs, these woven treasures represent centuries of exquisite artistry and meticulous craftsmanship. And, remarkably, the method of making these hand woven treasures has remained relatively unchanged for over two millennia.

The term "Oriental rug" simply means carpets from the East, but it is usually applied to hand-knotted rugs, produced in the wide area stretching from the Balkans in southeast Europe, over Turkey, North Africa, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkestan and on to China. Through the centuries tribes migrated, intermarried, and copied one another's traditional patterns. Oriental carpets are not merely articles for use, but works of art, fascinating in their richness of design, symbolism, imagination, and their delight in color. Whether rugs are made by nomads, semi-nomads stationary in winter, or in workshops by craftsmen leading a settled life, each rug has a story to tell and opens the door on another culture.

Hand knotted carpets, better known as Oriental Rugs, are objects of art. Once the proud possessions of kings, princesses and nobles, they are know enjoyed in homes around the world. The art and history of Oriental Rugs dates back 2500 years and represents many different cultures. Through the centuries, the aft of hand crafted Oriental rugs are one of a few handmade products that have survived the Industrial Revolution, and many of today's finest contemporary Oriental rugs at Chase are the equals of carpets woven centuries ago.

Rug designs are inspired by the world surrounding the artisans, both contemporary and historic. Nomadic weaves most often work from memory of designs passed down from generation to generation that can often be traced to geographical locations. Today's rug makers have at their disposal thousands of reproductions of the best Oriental Rugs made during the past four centuries. Encountering one of these hand woven treasures makes one reflect on the time, artisanship, and the history that has gone into creating this unique form of functional art.