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Western rug literature has familiarized us with the 'infinite or endless repeat' field design.
The design, in its various mutations, is found over a broad geographical range of the rug weaving world.
Too often, the design is nothing more than a single field motif repeated over and over again vertically, horizontally or, on occasion, diagonally.
Not surprisingly, many find the result to be simply mundane and boring.
Most weavers who attempt the design do not understand how to create the Allusion of Infinity.
In the example presented here we have a weaver who either had a good understanding of what she was doing or was very lucky.
The historical record shall, unfortunately, forever remain silent on that question.
The Allusion of Infinity is achieved by employing a number of clearly identifiable techniques.
A successful rendering of the ‘endless or infinite repeat’ design is achieved by the skillful use of size, space and color.
The border must be wide in relation to the field.
The dimensions of the main and secondary border must, in total, match and preferably exceed those of the field.
Usually, one sees a border composition that is assertive, structured and quite formal. This is in marked contrast to that of the field.
The tonality of the border must carefully harmonize with that of the field but there must be a slight visual tension between the two.
The manner in which repeating elements of the field design is created is most critical to the success or failure of the design.
The field motifs, whatever they may be, must be distinctly smaller than the dominant border motifs.
These motifs must be distributed across the field in a random, almost whimsical fashion.
If there is structure and predictability in the field, the visual impact is lost.
Spontaneity and unpredictability also applies to the distribution of color within the field.
The extent to which each of these elements is lacking is the degree to which the Allusion of Infinite is lost.
Condition: The condition of the rug is very good. In the tradition of the region the pile is close-cut but full with no areas of wear or damage. There are scattered, small areas of high-quality repair. |
