Karastan Area Rugs

Karastan area rugs were one of the first oriental rug reproductions made in the United States. Persian and oriental rugs designs were in great demand at the turn of the 20th century. Seeking to meet this demand, the Marshall Field & Company created a machine woven oriental rug reproduction.

This weaving process was latter refined with the development of the Karastan Axminster loom. What made this loom unique was its ability to produce a rug with a soft back that would show the pile yarns through the back just like hand-woven oriental and Persian rugs.

Perfecting the coloring was the next hurdle for Karastan area rugs. They had to develop non-fading dye stuffs and a special wash to give the rugs the realistic highlights and mellowness of oriental and Persian originals.

In the mid thirties, Karastan introduced what would become the bestselling rug in their history, a multi color Kerman. This Kerman was a 50 color reproduction.

Karastan rugs are world known for their durability. At the 1933-34 World's Fair, they allowed people to walk on their exhibited rug. It is estimated that over five million people walked over it. After the fair was over, they washed half the rug. The cleaned half was returned to its original state and stood in stark contrast to the uncleaned side.

Karastan rugs can be purchased from carpet dealers nationwide.

About The Author

Jeff Brokob is a freelance writer providing tips and advice for consumers buying Persian rugs of all types including Oriental, antique and contemporary rugs. His numerous articles offer moneysaving tips and valuable insight on typically confusing topics.