For over two and a half thousand years, the nomadic peoples of the remote Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan have created their dazzling felt rugs.
The Felt Company now imports these vibrant works of art direct from their makers in Kyrgyzstan to Britain and Tim Moock of Felt has set up a fair trade agreement with the nomadic peoples, bringing their superbly hardwearing rugs from the Tien Shan peaks to sit happily in Britain’s town and country houses.
Known as Shyrdaks, these wool rugs have a tough flattened felt base hand sewn with geometric surface patterns in coloured felts. Motifs are chosen to bestow blessings, describe a scene or tell a story of life in the Mountains of Heaven.
Shyrdaks are as practical as they are decorative; made outdoors by the tribal women, each rug takes a master cutter and her team of makers between 10 and 20 days to complete.
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The base of each rug is made from felted raw wool and the surface felt colours range from the dazzlingly bright to subtly muted tones, offering a wide range of decorative possibilities; each Shyrdak tells a unique story and comes with an explanation of the symbols to reveal their meaning.
The rugs are perfect for both floors and walls; sizes range from small (0.8m x 1m) to room sized (2m x 3.5m). Prices start from £400 and go up to £5,000 depending on size and design.
Felt’s London showroom is at: 26 Glenfield Road, London SW12 0HG (by appointment).
Web: http://www.feltrugs.co.uk
Tel:Â (020) 8772 0358