History of Portuguese & Arraiolos Carpets
Early Portuguese pieces were heavily influenced by Indian and Persian designs, but a distinctive style emerged with the creation of Arraiolos carpets, embroidered in a tent stitch on a linen or jute ground, as early as the 15th century. Exhibiting wide variations of style and design, Portuguese rugs often present adaptations of symmetrical folk-art symbols and motifs, rococo ornamentation, and impressions of Anatolian rugs.
Eventually, Portuguese styles evolved into three Arraiolos rug design eras, including decorative pieces that retained the influence of vintage Persian rugs, pieces that highlighted daily scenes from Portuguese life, and stylized, delicate patterns that became popular in the 1700s-1900s.
Experience the Esmaili Difference
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Portuguese rugs or antique Oushak carpets, Esmaili Rugs offers you one of the largest and most exclusive rug inventories in the U.S. We offer our customers access to rare European weavings, including limited-availability Arraiolos carpets. Shop with us to take advantage of our heritage experience: over 30 years curating unique collector’s pieces for homes and hospitality spaces.
From our concierge service for private rug consultations to our white-glove delivery and seamless installation, Esmaili Rugs stands out for our commitment to service, authenticity, and artistry.
Characteristics of Arraiolos Rugs
Arraiolos carpets typically showcase a cross-stitched embroidery technique on a cotton or linen foundation. Eventually, in the 19th and 20th centuries, jute was used more frequently to create these pieces. Arraiolos Portuguese rugs also displayed a variety of patterns, including floral borders, central medallions, and geometric repeats in soft blues, warm golds, deep reds, and creams. Our collection of rugs from Portugal typically features subtle greens, vibrant yellows, and muted pastels.
Esmaili Rugs recommends these vintage carpets for areas with minimal floor traffic, as the embroidered textiles can be fragile under heavy use.
Shop Portuguese Rugs Here
At Esmaili Rugs, we’d be delighted to arrange a personalized rug preview with a curated collection designed specifically for your needs. Reach out to our team with your preferences, and we’ll put together a preview of heirloom textiles sourced for discerning collectors. Schedule your exclusive consultation with our team today.
