Glossary Background color The dominant color in the background of the rug. The most widely used background colors are red, blue, beige, and yellow. These colors range in all shades and hues. Border color The dominant color in the border of the rug. Major border colors are red, blue, beige, yellow, and green. These colors range in all shades and hues. Boteh (Persian for "bush") A pear-shaped figure usually used in the field of an all-over repeat layout. There are many versions of boteh from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex. Boteh has been thought to symbolize a leaf, a bush, a flame, or a pinecone. Brazilwood The reddish wood of certain tropical trees or shrubs in the pea family, especially a Brazilian tree (Caesalpinia echinata) whose wood is used for violin bows and is a source of red, purple, and black dye used in early Chinese rugs. British Imperial System Unit of measurement based on foot and inch used in the United States and England. Every foot is equal to 12 inches and 30.48 centimeters or approximately .30 meters. Brocading A form of flat weaving where the foundation is patterned by colored weft strands. Buddha (563? BC-483? BC) An Indian philosopher born in Nepal who developed and taught the doctrines of Buddhism after attaining supreme enlightenment at the age of 35. Also Known as Sakyamuni. Bulgaria Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Rug weaving in Bulgaria can go back as far as the sixteenth century. Today Bulgaria has a minor rug-producing industry. Return to Top Cartoon A detailed drawing on squared paper, which directs the weavers with color selection for each knot. Casablanca The largest city and main harbor of Morocco located on the Atlantic coast. Catechu Dye, Cutch A spiny Asian tree (Acacia catechu) also called Betel Palm with spikes of yellow flowers, and dark heartwood. Tannins and brown dyes are derived from the heartwood of this plant. Catechu dye was used in rugs of India. Category The different settings in which handmade rugs are produced. Handmade rugs are generally woven in the settings of Nomadic, Village, Workshop or Master workshop. Centimeter A unit of length. Every meter is equal to 100 centimeters and every inch is equal to 2.52 centimeters. Meters and centimeters are used in all countries for measuring length and width of rugs with the exception of the U.S. and England. China China is located in East Asia. The capital of china is Beijing. Chinese, Persian and French Aubusson designs are produced in Chinese workshops. China is one of the largest exporters of handmade rugs in the world. Market sizing data from the exporting countries is difficult to obtain, as some of the countries may not track the data or disclose it. Nevertheless, from foreign embassies, industry specialists, and magazine articles, the 1998 rug export estimate for China and Nepal is 500 million dollars. China mainly produces rugs for exportation and not for its local market. Chrome Dyes Synthetic chrome dyes were developed in the years between the First and Second World Wars for dyeing weaving yarns. Chrome dyes are colorfast (any dye that retains its intensity despite exposure to light and washing), and are produced in an infinite variety of attractive colors and shades. Cinnabar A heavy reddish mercuric sulfide (HgS) that is the principle ore (constituent) of mercury and is used as a pigment. Coat of Arms A Design on a shield that signifies a particular family, university, or city. Color In creating a handmade rug, one of the most important elements is color. Colors can be derived from natural dyes or made from synthetic dyes. All handmade rugs are identified by their background and border colors. Color Symbolism In the East colors have symbolic values. These traditional and religious meanings of colors sometimes affect the choice of colors used in handmade rugs. Green, for example, is considered to be a holy color by Muslims; therefore, until the end of 19th century, it was mainly used in prayer rugs. Condition This attribute specifies the condition of a rug from a quality point of view. The specific conditions in the handmade rug industry are Fine, Average and Worn. Contemporary Rugs less than 25 years old. Cotton The main material used in the foundation of handmade rugs. Curvilinear Patterns created with smooth curving lines. Return to Top