Romania has a long tradition of folk weaving, especially of kilims, and in the 20th century it also became a significant producer of hand-knotted pile rugs for export. Romanian rugs are generally well made, with good wool, and many were woven in Persian and Caucasian designs. They are often good value compared with rugs of similar quality from Iran or the Caucasus.
| Origin | Romania |
|---|---|
| Main types | Folk kilims; 20th-century hand-knotted rugs |
| Knot | Symmetric or asymmetric, depending on the design and workshop |
| Materials | Wool pile on a cotton foundation; wool kilims |
| Typical designs | Persian and Caucasian designs; floral folk kilims |
| Main period | Mostly mid to late 20th century for pile rugs |
Romanian kilims
Romanian folk kilims, woven in regions such as Oltenia, Moldavia and Bessarabia (now largely Moldova), are known for their floral designs: roses, trees, vases and birds, often on dark grounds, with a gentler, more curvilinear look than most Turkish or Persian kilims. They were made for use in the home, as wall hangings, bed covers and floor rugs. See Kilim Rugs.
Hand-knotted Romanian rugs
In the mid-20th century, Romania organized large-scale production of hand-knotted rugs, much of it for export to Western Europe and America. Weavers produced rugs in Persian designs, such as Kashan, Tabriz, Isfahan and Herati patterns, and in Caucasian designs, such as Kazak and Shirvan. The rugs were often given trade names that reflected the design, together with a quality grade.
Romanian rugs are usually woven with good wool on a cotton foundation and are evenly and firmly made. Many have a slightly heavier, more regular look than the Persian rugs they imitate.
How to recognize a Romanian rug
- Persian or Caucasian designs woven with great regularity.
- Good, firm wool and a cotton foundation.
- Very even shape and edges.
- Sometimes a label with the design name and quality grade.
Value
Romanian rugs are durable and often attractively priced. For a buyer who wants a hand-knotted rug in a classic Persian or Caucasian design at a moderate cost, a good Romanian rug can be an excellent choice. See Caucasian Rugs and Antique, Semi-Antique and Vintage Rugs.
