Rug
Object NameRug
DateEarly 20th century
OriginNorthwest Iran?
MediumWool
Dimensions283 × 156 in. (718.8 × 396.2 cm)
ClassificationsTextiles and Apparel
Credit LineGift of David Shugart. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number80.22.1
Status
On viewCollections
CultureIranian
Label TextWall to wall rugs would have warmed any Victorian home adding vibrancy and embellishment. The wood floors of the large Parlor room of the Farm House is home to the “Curtiss Rug”. Though the nickname is likely a misnomer, the Curtiss rug is a fine example of Iranian carpet production. This rug belonged to Helen Curtiss Whittaker and the donor, Helen’s nephew, received it at upon Helen’s death. The rug fits the parlor of the Farm House Museum, however from a photograph taken in the early 1920s this does not appear to be the same rug as the one at the Farm House. What is clear is that the Farm House residents embraced the Victorian trend of maximalism and room-sized fine carpets.
There is a long tradition of fine textiles in many regions of Iran and carpet weaving techniques date to the Middle Ages and are characterized by intricately tied knots and delicately woven patterns. Traditional hand-knotting techniques were eventually replaced with machines resulting in increased affordability of rugs. This exceptionally large carpet has a medium weave and features typical bold colors such as blue, cream and red in a complex trailing floral and geometric design.
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Farm House Museum, Parlor
