Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Shyrdak rugs



I love shyrdak rugs, even though I haven't met one in real life. They look so warm and tactile.

The rugs are made of wool felt by Kyrgyz women. Lightweight felt suits the lifestyle of these traditionally nomadic people, who have historically resided in yurts - where shyrdaks also decorate the walls. To make the rugs, two layers of contrasting felt are cut with an identical pattern, and the "positive space" of one color is used to fill the negative space of another, resulting in two complete ornamental panels. The panels are then quilted together, often with a contrasting trim at the pattern's edges. Sometimes they're backed by another layer of felt.



Different color combinations signify certain things - red and white is fertility, for instance - and motifs are derived from real life - a mother and child here, a ram's horn or a soldier there. These symbols manifest abstractly as gracefully curved flourishes or sharp trapezoids.

I would love to endeavor to make one of these myself. Normally, I would. But I'm broke, and I've gotten better about going through the cost-benefit analysis of a new project. These rugs are made from three sheets of felt - two decorative layers, and a backing layer. You could use 1/8" F-10 felt for the backing layer, which sells for a reasonable $16.50 per linear foot (standard width is 72"). For your top layers, you might buy merino wool felt in a great variety of colors, for $81.34 per yard. For the 6' x 9' dream rug I've imagined for myself, I've just spent $636.54 plus shipping and tax.

I have no doubt, though, that it would be a really fun project, one I'd like to have a go at someday.

A better method might be to patronize the skilled artisans who can benefit from the sale of these rugs in Kyrgyzstan. Altyn Kol is a women's cooperative whose members craft these rugs from raw wool and sells them for amazingly reasonable prices - about $56 for a 5' x 5' rug. Shipping costs are $7.50 per square meter, plus a $30 tax by the Kyrgyz government.

Perhaps when I'm no longer a student and have a little disposable income, Jessica will split the tariff with me, and we can treat our respective floors to one of these beautiful felt rugs.

12 comments:

  1. I do indeed love these rugs and I have been hankering for a new rug - but low, I have no place for another rug...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cool, that's my picture. I loved that rug.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi can any body let me know where i can puchase these lovely rugs at a resonalbe price? I must have one...i adore them :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. www.aspira-handicrafts.kg
      You should find what you want there.

      Delete
  4. If you are interested in Shyrdak and Kyrgyz handicrafts in general www.aspira-handicrafts.kg is for you.
    Not all the Shyrdak are online but you can see a "Special Order" link to order exactly what you want.
    This website from a fair-trade company, so we are very transparent regarding where the money goes and try to keep a fair price as much as possible.

    www.aspira-handicrafts.kg

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for nice and informative post. This article is really contains lot more information. Get Colorful Rugs and make your space more attractive and classy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have done a excellent job with your knowledge that makes our work easy because you are providing such good information about shyrdak rug. Keep sharing this kind of knowledge with us. antique persian rugs

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very informative post, I have read your all Blogs. Your all blog contains good and unique information and these are very helpful latest rugs. Thank you for sharing this post here.white wash rugs

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have Shared great content here about Rugs. I am glad to discover this post as I found lots of valuable data in your article. Thanks for sharing an article like this.
    Surya Rugs

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have shared an amazing post about quality wool rugs for sale online.Much obliged to you for your endeavors in sharing such information with us.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excellent information, this knowledge is excellent and very important for everyone. I am heartily thankful to you for providing this kind of information. Thanks once again for sharing it. vintage rugs online

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for your post. It's very helpful post for us. You can also visit hand knotted oriental rugs for more Victor Steel related information. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here.

    ReplyDelete